Fran Whitis

Marilyn Frances “Fran” Whitis, age 70, of Somerset, KY went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 14, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Fran was born to Theodore Lee and Clara Ellen Keith Helton on August 19, 1947. She was the baby of her family and was cherished by her parents and siblings. She was united in marriage to her husband Donald Lee Whitis on October 5, 1968 and he preceded her in death on September 8, 2016. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her one sister, Glenna Lewis Daugherty and her first husband Gerald Lewis, and one brother, Lee B. Helton and his wife Dorothy. She leaves to mourn her passing two loving daughters, Alyson Glyn Whitis and Dawn Michelle Burgin (Gary), and two precious grandchildren, Cole Garrett Burgin and Hollyn Grace Burgin, to whom she was Nana. She is also survived by one brother, Joe Earl Helton, a nephew who was like a brother, Jerry Lewis (Jonnie), a brother in law, Eugene Daugherty, and two special nieces, Sue Ann Parmley (Jack) and Jann Ruth Lewis. Her church family, friends, extended family, and many other nieces and nephews also mourn her passing. Fran was an intelligent lady who graduated from Burnside High School at the age of 16. She went to Fugazzi Business College in Lexington, KY upon her high school graduation, brave and always up for an adventure. She worked in various medical practices as a receptionist, insurance billing clerk, etc., and most notably for Dr. Danny Clark for many years. She was a member of Sloans Valley Baptist Church and served as the pianist for over 40 years’ time. Fran also held many other jobs in the church, as long as her health permitted, such as Sunday school teacher to several generations, church clerk, serving wherever she was needed. She set a good example of how to serve the Lord not only in her Church, but in the way she lived her life. Through her Christian example, her children, grandchildren, and husband all know Jesus as their Savior and the family circle will not be broken. She was charming, witty, humorous, and a person that people enjoyed spending time with. She loved going to the beach, reading, keeping track of family and friends on social media, and was a wonderful cook. She was physically and spiritually beautiful and she’s now resting peacefully with the Lord. All that knew and loved her take great comfort in this. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 18, at Pulaski Funeral Home from 1-3, with funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be in Sloans Valley Cemetery. Her family asks that you honor her, as you wish, with flowers, donations to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, Sloans Valley Cemetery, or Sloans Valley Baptist Church Youth Group. Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Fran Whitis at this time.