Jeniah Francis, 15, of Mendota, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 3, 2026. She was born on September 21, 2010, in Peru. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jeniah was a quiet, loving friend who really cared about her friends and loved being around others. Jeniah grew up in Mendota, IL, where she lived with her mom and siblings downtown. She attended all the surrounding Bible camps in town when she was in grade school, as she loved gatherings and being around kids and friends. She attended Just for Kix from kindergarten to 6th grade, where she went to competitions and shows. Anyone who knows Jeniah knows she loved to not only dance but also to make up her own funny dances.

Jeniah loved fishing at Lake Mendota, watching the latest movies at the Sandwich Theater, taking family trips to Six Flags every summer, and attending Fright Fest in the fall. Jeniah joined the track team from 7th through 9th grade, where she had one of the greatest blessings in her athletic journey: having coach Heather Friedlein, who believed in her and encouraged her both on and off the track. Her support, guidance, and dedication helped shape not only the athlete she became but also the confident young woman she was. Our family will always be grateful for the lasting impact she had on her life. Jeniah received five state medals and a grand total of 84 first-place wins and 23 first-place medals.

In high school, she signed up for volleyball, where she again showed a lot of dedication. She had the best support and coaches. She joined the Diggerz traveling team in the fall, where she got to travel all around to play tournaments. She had wonderful coaches who believed in her. Demi, Cris, and Shannon had unwavering support and gave her confidence, taught her the value of teamwork, and created memories she will forever be remembered for.

She lived life with a heart full of joy and a smile that could light up any room. She had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and was always making her family, friends, teammates, and classmates laugh. Her fun-loving personality, contagious laughter, and kind spirit made it impossible not to smile when she was around. Although her time with us was far too short, the light she brought into this world will never fade. She will forever be loved, deeply missed, and remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Jeniah is survived by her mother, Jennifer Francis; sisters, Ariana & Jayla Francis; little brother Allias Francis; grandmother, Joan Francis; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Robert Francis; great-grandparents, Don and Jean Wegner; and honorary aunt, Nancy Schrader.

Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Friday, July 17, 2026 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1010 Jefferson Street in Mendota with Father Fortunatus Rwehikiza officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Mendota. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.