Evangelist Frances O. Smith started her sojourn with us on May 25, 1938 and it ended on April 7, 2020, at Nyack Ridge Nursing Center, Valley Cottage, NY, due to complications arising from a fall two years ago. She showed us each day the depth of her faith; always with a smile of joy and hope that one day she would recover. Frances was the third of six children born to Booker T. and Laura B. Glover in Anniston, Alabama. She married Will E. Smith in 1960 and migrated to Nyack, NY where they were blessed with a family of three sons and one daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Tammy, two sisters, Tarzetta Smith, Sara Mason; two brothers, Walter Glover, and Raymond Glover.
She studied at Rockland Community college that prepared her for a career in education. It was a journey that was well spent and blessed by God and man. She spent over 23 years in the Nyack School District as a Teacher Assistant at various schools including thirteen years at BOCES in West Nyack where she was most recognized with honor for her devotion and commitment to the students with special needs. She felt that it was her professional responsibility to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other as well as for teachers, students, parents, and other professionals. She was a role model to and was loved by many students. Students affectionately called Frances "Ma Smith" and often thanked her for having helped shape their lives.
Evangelist Frances was most recognized for her artistic abilities in knitting , crocheting, and wearable art. She was recruited 23 years ago to teach arts and crafts in the after school program at the Central Nyack Center. She allowed the students to be creative beyond coloring books . She continued to work with the children in Central Nyack up until her accident, inspiring change and empowering our youth through arts and crafts.
Throughout the course of her early journey Frances experienced an enriched life , however she found something missing. Finding a void in her life she returned to Manhattan Bible Institute for religious studies and received many certificates. She was ordained Local Preacher and later elevated to Evangelist and worked tirelessly in local Churches teaching bible school, Sunday School , ministering and mentoring as spiritual counselor in States of New York, New Jersey , Georgia and Alabama. She has been blessed with the energy and compassion to give of herself to help others to become their best self. Always reminding them , "that what we do each day is our gift back to God."
Precious memories of Frances will be cherished and honored by her loving and devoted husband, Will; sons , Timothie, Roderick, and Christopher; Granddaughter, Tammy, Grandson Evan, Great granddaughter Kaelyn., Sister, Barbara Williams. Also a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins friends and acquaintances.
“ A chapter completed, a page turned, a life well lived, A rest well earned.”
A Remembrance Celebration will be held at a later date.
Professional Services : Hanneman Funeral Home, Nyack, NY