Kay Francis (Foster) Harton

Kay Francis Foster Harton was born on February 7, 1939, in Hillsboro, Alabama, to Lesley and Mrytle Davis Foster. She was surrounded by brothers and was the second-born of five children.

At an early age, Kay Francis embraced her spiritual path accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at David Temple Primitive Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Alabama under the pastoral leadership of Reverend David Tolbert.

Her education started at David Temple and then on to Tennessee Valley High School, paving the way for her academic pursuits. Kay’s dedication to learning led her to Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.

Encouraged by a professor at Alabama A&M University, Kay Francis continued her educational journey by obtaining a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Alabama A&M University.

Post-graduation from Alabama A&M University, Kay started her teaching career in Courtland, Alabama as an elementary teacher. In the 1960s, amidst the challenges of integration, Kay Francis was assigned to a third-grade classroom at Eastwood Elementary in the Point Mallard community. Toward the end of her career, she transitioned out of the classroom to teach art across multiple elementary schools in the Decatur City School District. Her career as an educator spanned more than 35 years.

Kay Francis married Grover Lee Harton and to this union they had one son, Marlon Deshawn Harton on February 4, 1974.

Beyond her professional life, Kay served at church with dedication as a member of the usher board and she also found joy in a variety of interests—from gardening, ceramic art, crocheting, shopping and giving back to her community. Family held a special place in her heart, but she shared an exceptionally close bond with her granddaughters.

To be closer to family as her health declined, Kay moved to Clanton in 2011 to live with her son and daughter-in-law, Marlon and Monique. There, she also found a spiritual home under the watch care of Union Baptist Church.

Kay Francis departed this life at UAB St. Vincent Hospital in Birmingham, Al on May 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the age of 87 years. Her impact on the lives of those she touched will forever be remembered and cherished. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the warmth of the memories she created.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Lesley and Mrytle Foster; brothers, Frederick Jerome Foster and Lesley Gene Foster.

Kay is survived by her son, Marlon (Monique) Harton; granddaughters; Lesley, Lauren and Lydia Harton; brothers, Robert Foster and Major (Juliette) Foster, sister-in-law, Merlean Foster, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

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