Frances Ann Smith, 88, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Hillsboro, Oregon where she had been residing with family. She was born April 26, 1933 at the family farm in Knight’s Prairie, Hamilton County, Illinois to parents Francis Willard Bennett and Aline Margaret (Sullivan) Bennett. Fran made her home for many years with Ray Blades and Golda (Bennett) Blades.
She attended McLeansboro High School before graduating from Mt. Vernon in 1950. She continued on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois (1954) and a Master’s at Illinois Wesleyan, both in Biology. She taught science classes at Mascoutah High School before owning and operating the Sewing Nook on Mascoutah’s Main Street for over 25 years.
Frances was preceded by her husband and high school sweetheart, John W. Smith Jr., in 2016. She is survived by her children Karleen and Jay Smith, 7 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Frances Ann Smith will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Pastor Russell Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of service at 2:00 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Smith Cemetery, near Dale, IL.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
The Gholson Funeral Home of McLeansboro is entrusted with arrangements.