Frances W. Smith

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Mrs. Frances W. Smith, 89, died Thursday, April 4, 2024, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 12:00 noon until 1:30 P.M. at Waller Funeral Home in Oxford, MS. A private graveside will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Frances was born on June 22, 1934, to the late Minnie Stewart and Carl Watts. A lifelong resident of Oxford, MS, she was devoted member of St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, where she was involved with the Women’s Committee, formerly serving as president. Frances worked at The University of Mississippi, first as a secretary at the Dean of Women’s Office, and then as the Administrative Secretary for Bob Towery, the Director of the Student Union. After her retirement, she found solace and peace by escaping often, and at length, to her camper at Sardis Lake. She’d spend months on end at her hideaway, moving the camper only when required and returning home only when necessary. These days were spent soaking in the gentle breeze, hundreds of sunrises and sunsets, and trips around the lake on the pontoon. The only thing Frances found as appealing as these getaways were her frequent visits to Tunica to play the slot machines.

Frances had a philanthropic and giving spirit, finding an outlet to serve others through the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation. Through her involvement with ESA, she volunteered often at Ole Miss home football games, bringing her children along as she worked happily behind the concession stands. It was important to Frances that she led by example in teaching her children to give back to your community and serve others. She volunteered often with a group that performed skits at local nursing homes. Frances would happily don elaborate costumes, sing gleefully at the top of her lungs, and dance with abandon all to bring much needed laughter and reprieve to the residents. In truth, she garnered just as much joy from it as her audience did. Frances is remembered most not for what she did, but how she lived. Vivacious and independent, she spoke her mind often and without holding back. She was fun, upbeat, and marked each day’s success by how many smiles she’d brought to other’s faces. In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Smith; six brothers and sisters; and her grandson, Sgt. First Class John William Fielder.

Frances is survived by her daughters, Robin Fielder Owens of Abbeville, MS and Anna Claire Smith of Saucier, MS; son, Mike Smith and his wife, Donna, of Gulfport, MS; five grandchildren, Matt Fielder, Christi Fielder, Niki Myers, John Bloodsworth, and James Bloodsworth; as well as eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Frances’ memory may be made to Memory Makers, payable to Respite Day Services of Oxford, Inc., 1558 Skyline Drive, Oxford, Mississippi 38655 or online at https://memorymakersoxford.wordpress.com/get-involved/ .