Frances Ann “Fran” Henley, 89, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 3:06 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois surrounded by family.
Fran was born May 11, 1935, in Galesburg, the daughter of Lloyd and Ruby Grace (Loveridge) Bradburn. She married the love of her life, Russell Bryan Henley on September 29, 1962, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on October 22, 2022.
She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Shannon Lee (and Debbie L.) Henley of Gilson, Illinois and Steven Brian (and Rebecca) Henley of Galesburg; and her daughter, Shelley Lynn (and Mike) Yard of Galesburg. She was a devoted sister to Greta M. Woolsey of Galesburg. Fran was a devoted grandmother to Jacob Glenn (and Kelly Proper) Yard and Jordan Riley (and Holly Disbennett) Danner Stewart and a great grandmother of River Lee Yard. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ruby Bradburn.
Fran graduated from Galesburg High School in 1953 and received an associate degree from Carl Sandburg College. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Knox College in 1974 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. She later graduated from Western Illinois University with her Master of Science degree in 1987. Fran was a schoolteacher for District 205 for over 25 years, teaching in several different schools, but mostly King Elementary School. Fran loved teaching and was recognized in “Who’s Who in Education” in 1995. She also had a love for music. She was a bassoonist in the Knox-Galesburg Orchestra as a high school student and was a pianist in the Glenn Edwards Band at Knox College and PTA Mothers-Singers. She sang in the Community Chorus and Choral Dynamics, and taught music lessons privately. Fran was an active member of her community. She was involved with the Knox County Home Extension, Knox County Genealogical Society, and was a charter member of Jazz Unlimited. She was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa professional fraternity and helped create the Galesburg Women’s Club. She enjoyed teaching and music, but most of all, she loved her family. Fran will be forever remembered by those who loved her.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. The funeral will follow at noon at the chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
