Frances Smith Armstrong

Frances Smith Armstrong, 70, of Alexandria, Virginia – beloved mother, grandmother, and educator - passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of July 24, 2017. Fran, daughter of Nelle and Dixon Smith, Jr., was born in Columbus, GA on June 13, 1947. She grew up in Richmond, Virginia, attended Thomas Jefferson High School, and graduated from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia in 1969. After college, Fran served as an elementary school teacher in Fairfax County and Germany before having her daughter Brannan in 1976. Fran settled in Alexandria, Virginia in 1979, where she continued to teach in the Fairfax County Public School System. She taught at multiple elementary schools, spending 25 years at Hollin Meadows, retiring in 2010. In 1998, Fran earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching from George Mason University. After graduation, she hosted, instructed, and mentored interns from the University in the Professional Development Program as a Clinical Faculty Member. Fran’s teaching accomplishments were recognized on multiple occasions by Fairfax County Public Schools. Her wonderful spirit, witty humor, intelligence, and gentle guidance as a teacher made her an endearing mentor to hundreds of students whose lives she touched.

Lovingly referred to as “Franma” by her grandchildren, great nieces, great nephews, and extended family, Fran found her deepest happiness in sharing cards and gifts with her family, spending time with her two granddaughters, and cheering on the Washington Redskins. Fran was a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where her remains will be interred at the Columbarium.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Nelle David Smith and Houston Dixon Smith, Jr., and sisters, Ellen Boyce Smith and Betsy Smith Edmunds. She is survived by her daughter, B. Brannan Armstrong Villee and husband Mark; two granddaughters, Virginia Jordan and Caroline Elizabeth Villee; her nephew, Cas Edmunds and his family; her niece, Emily Edmunds Roland and her family; great nieces, great nephews, and countless family members who were blessed to know and love her.

A celebration of Fran’s life will take place on Saturday, August 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, Virginia). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Method

Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Alexandria, VA.