Sondra Francis Obituary

Sondra Ann Adkins Francis

1969-2026

Sondra Ann Adkins Francis, 56, passed away on January 23, 2026, after a long illness. She was born on September 19, 1969, in Alexandria, Virginia, and raised in Ashland, Kentucky, where she graduated from Paul Blazer High School in 1987.

Sondra had a gift for keeping people on their toes. With her quick wit, unexpected humor, and the little things she would say or do to lighten any room, she brought levity and warmth wherever she went. Her compassion and steady presence found their fullest expression in her calling as a mother baby registered nurse. She cared for countless families during her years at Cabell-Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, and later at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Among her aspirations was the hope to one day retire and volunteer at Shriners Children's Lexington.

Sondra approached every challenge with wholehearted commitment, embracing her passion for running by completing numerous marathons and half-marathons, most notably the 2013 New York City Marathon. Her steadfast resolve and unwavering strength motivated everyone who knew her. Even when she sustained a significant leg injury during the Derby City Half Marathon, she persevered through immense pain to finish the race. This fierce and deeply rooted determination was a hallmark of her character.

Sondra's favorite companions were her beloved dogs, Murphy, Bentley, and Baer, who brought her endless joy. She was a devoted supporter of her children, rarely missing a school event, game, or moment where she could cheer them on. Above all, she was a loving wife and mother whose family was the center of her world.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jim Francis, her youngest son, Blake Francis; and her oldest son, Stephen Francis, his wife Emily Prater Francis, and their daughter Sophie Ann Francis, whom Sondra loved more than life itself. She is also survived by her father David M. Adkins and brother, David E. Adkins of Ashland, Kentucky.

Sondra's life was defined by courage, humor, devotion, and an unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Sondra's Honor to the Lexington Shriners Children's Hospital at 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, KY 40508.

A visitation to honor the life of Sondra will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home, located at 2702 Panola Street. Friends and Family may gather at the funeral home from 11am to 12:30pm. Following the visitation a graveside service will be held at Bellefonte Memorial Gardens where Pastor Mike Blankenship will offer words of comfort begining at 1:00pm

Online Condolences may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.

Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Sondra Ann Adkins Francis.
Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home