Francis Story

Francis Story passed into the arms of her savior Jesus Christ on Monday March 23rd after a brief hospitalization.

Benis Francis Muncey was born on August 15, 1936, at home in Neibert, Logan County West Virginia. The oldest of 17 children was born to Thelma Hill and William Muncey. She was actually a coal miner’s daughter.

In 1953 she met J.E. “Dooley” Highsmith a handsome sailor from Texas who swept her off her feet. They were married July 17, 1954 in Logan County West Virgina moved to Hondo, Texas where Francis embraced being a ranch wife. They welcomed their first son Bobby in 1955 and then Bryan in 1956. The family moved to Robert Lee and then on to San Angelo where their 3rd son Harley was born. Francis worked as a cashier and secretary, finally going to work for Ethicon where she was promoted to supervisor and retired after 26 years.

Francis was a strong Christian woman who served her church faithfully. She sang in the choir and whatever else was needed.

Dooley passed in 1975. Later Francis married Lee Story in 1977. They enjoyed 25 years of marriage until Lee’s passing in 2002.0

Francis was so much to so many. She was mom to her 3 sons who she loved dearly, Five granddaughters many great and great, great children. Not to mention others who came under her care. Francis also had many friends who were like family. Francis was a gracious hostess and loved decorating her home where she enjoyed planning birthday parties and family gatherings for all holidays. She especially loved her “last Tuesday of the month” domino group.

Francis was proceeded by her parents and most of her siblings, both husbands and her son Harley.

She is survived by her sons Bobby (Cathy) Highsmith, Bryan Highsmith, Daughter in Law Jamie. Granddaughters Amber, Angela, Lisa. Melanie and Shelie and many great, great grandchildren

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Providence Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to make donations to the Pregnancy Help Center.

Pallbearers will be Don Branch, Cooper Branch, Ronny Hooker, Ted Butts, Paul McClure, Fred Preston, Don Felty.