Frances Bryant Williamson Smithwick

Frances Williamson Smithwick died on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012, at Baysmont Healthcare Center in Kingsport, TN at the age of 88. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many.

She was born on April Fool's Day, April 1, 1924, in Anniston, AL. Her birthdate was the source of much teasing throughout her life. Frances was the daughter of Fred and Jessie Macon Bryant. She is predeceased by her parents and her first husband, Horace Perry Williamson, Jr., and her brothers, Fred Boyd Bryant and George Macon Bryant.

Frances attended Anniston High School, where she excelled in academics as a member of the National Honor Society and maintained a very active social life. She and seven Anniston girlfriends formed a social club We Are Seven that has lasted 70 years. After taking a year off to work during World War II, she resumed her studies at the University of Alabama. She graduated with a degree in business and worked as the business manager of the school newspaper, as she had in high school. While in college, she also helped manage the rationing of stamps in downtown Tuscaloosa. She was a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and maintained close and lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters and her many Alabama friends.

Frances married Horace P. Williamson, Jr. on June 6, 1946, in Anniston, AL. Horace was her brother, Fred's , roommate at Auburn University. After marrying Horace, Frances agreed to make the giant leap from being an Alabama/ Crimson Tide fan into the Auburn fold. War Eagle! They lived in Anniston until 1961. During her time in Anniston, Frances was an active member of First Methodist Church, its Chancel Choir, and the Women's Society of Christian Service. She was also active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as Regent of the Bienville Chapter of that organization. She served as a leader in the Girls Scouts and as a Vacation Bible School teacher. Frances also applied her business skills in her employment at the Commercial National Bank of Anniston.

The family moved to Kingsport TN in 1962, where Horace worked at Bennett & Edwards and then as a chemical engineer in the Plant Protection Department of Tennessee Eastman Company until his sudden death in March, 1975. Frances worked at the First National Bank of Kingsport until she returned to school and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from East Tennessee State University. She taught kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School. Frances married Bob Smithwick on July 2, 1976. Both had lost their spouses, and they built a 35-year marriage that blended their families beautifully together. Bob's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were as dear to her as her own.
Frances had so many activities that brought her joy. Her family, church, and music were foremost in her life. She was extensively involved in her church and community. She was active as a Girl Scout leader as well as a member of the Junior League and the Women's Symphony Committee. Although Frances was born a Baptist, she embraced the Methodist faith throughout her adult life. She was an active member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church. Her involvement there included membership in the Sanctuary Choir for almost 50 years, Circle #3 of the United Methodist Women, serving as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and actively supporting the Missions Committee. Frances' love of life, people, and her strong faith made her a joy to all those around her. She especially loved books and reading in her later years, and shared that joy - and her books - with many. She will be greatly missed.

Frances is survived by her children: Beth Roy Geno of Kingsport, TN, Macon Michael Blyth of Evanston, IL and Perry Kathy Williamson of Chesapeake, VA, and Bob's children, daughters Kay Bruce Craft of Augusta, GA and Ann David Sellman of LaGrange, GA and son Bob Smithwick, III Katherine of Knoxville, TN. The Williamson grandchildren are: Michael Shalloway Samantha of Atlanta, GA, Aliza Jesse Winship- Freyer of Seattle, WA, Steven Chelsea Shalloway of Seattle, WA, Matthew Dana Blyth of San Antonio, TX, Mallory and Samantha Blyth of Evanston, IL, David Geno of Kingsport, TN, Kelly Alex Kirk of Chapel Hill, NC, Mark Keely Goldsmith of Durham, NC, and three great-grandchildren, Davis, Zoe, and Emma Kate Kirk. The Smithwick grandchildren are Jonathan Evans Craft Jennifer MacLean of Chicago, IL, Jeffrey Scott Craft Randy Walters of Decatur, GA, Daniel Sarah Smithwick of Knoxville, TN, Laura Tim Airhart of Knoxville, TN, and Kathryn and David Sellman of LaGrange, GA. Bob's five great-grandchildren are Megan Reed, Matthew and Andrew Smithwick and Griffin and Ethan Airhart, all of Knoxville, TN.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 25, at 3:00 pm at First Broad St. United Methodist Church, with Rev. Spurgeon McCartt and Rev. Jack Weikel officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carpenter's Helpers or Music Ministries at First Broad St. United Methodist Church, or to the Symphony of the Mountains