Frances Smith

Frances Smith “Scooter” departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at her home in Sumter, South Carolina. Frances was born to parents, Frank and Mattie Hammond on November 2, 1936 in Surrency, Georgia. She grew up as the youngest of eight children and attended Baxley Training School. In March of 1956, Frances Married Joseph Smith; he has preceded her in death. In 1961, she moved to Newark, New Jersey. She took a medical position at Lyons VA Hospital in Lyons New Jersey, where she worked until retirement in 1992. She attended Christian Pentecostal Church in Newark until she moved to Sumter, South Carolina in July 2016. Her favorite bible verse was used on her voicemail: “Trust in the lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy understanding trust in him and he shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3 verse 5, you couldn’t leave a message unless you listened to those scriptures. Mama loved to joke and laugh. In addition to her parents and her husband Joseph, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Petrinia Smith; sisters, Annie Maude Stafford, Ossie Bell Anderson, Deotha Roby, Corine Hammond Johnson, Carrie Bell Smith: and brothers, Vernon Putman, Leroy McPherson, William Henry McPherson. Frances is survived by her son, Joseph (Helen)Smith, Jr.of Atlanta Georgia, four daughters, Debra Bell of the home, Shirley Brown of Sumter South Carolina, Greta Smith and Pamela Smith both of Newark, New Jersey, and a brother LeConyers McPherson of Washington DC: 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and a host of other dear relatives and friends . Dear Children I am Safely Home I am home in Heaven dear ones: Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed: I am now at peace forever, Safely in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley in the shade? Oh! But Jesus’ love illuminated every dark and fearful glade. And he came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth’s shadows,Pray to trust our Father’s Will. There is work still waiting for you So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth - You shall rest in Jesus’ land When that work is all completed ,He will gently call you Home; Oh, the joy to see you come! Social distancing and masks are requested. The funeral service will be livestreamed on FACEBOOK PAGE - Palmer Memorial Chapel, Inc. at the time of the service.

Frances Smith

November 2, 1936 - February 10, 2021