Frances L. Smith

Frances L. Smith was born in Little Rock, Ark. on Nov. 13, 1946. She was the daughter of Wallace W. and Pam Scott. She departed this life on Sunday August 27, 2017 in Marquette, Mich. at the age of 70. Fran earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ouachita Baptist University and did further graduate studies in Vocal Performance at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She taught voice lessons at Mississippi County Community College for many years. For 10 years she was the elementary music teacher for Menominee, Mich. public schools. Fran was an extremely talented musician. Her beautiful soprano voice blessed many as she sang her beloved opera and classical music, but also gospel music, both solo and in ensembles. She was a self-taught instrumentalist, including piano, organ, flute, various strings, and many others. She taught voice and piano lessons privately, directed and performed in choirs, and accompanied soloists and instrumentalists in performances. Friends and family remember her warmth, sense of humor, and sassiness. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Fran leaves behind the following survivors: her husband, Herschel Smith, Children Karon (Sean) Wright of Fayetteville, Ark.; Joseph Smith of New York, N.Y., and Margaret Smith of Fayetteville, Ark.; as well as four grandchildren: Jackson, Madison, Isabella, and Caden. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Gwinn (195 N. Billings Street, Gwinn, Mich. 49841) on Thursday, August 31 at 10 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Rev. Ron Libey officiating. Condolences can be expressed at www.fassbenderfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Upper Peninsula Baptist Association, Church Planting Fund, c/o Lee Rowe, 128 Crest View Drive, Gwinn, Mich.