Frances Alexander Smith

She was born in Goldsboro, NC. After finishing high school there she attended Meredith College in Raleigh, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English. Although she spent the rest of her life in Raleigh, Goldsboro and her family roots there were always close to her heart.

Frances had a lifelong passion for writing and sought to nurture her talent both professionally and in a personal, creative capacity. She felt that she was able to give, educate, and accomplish best through the written word.

After working in journalism for many years, Frances continued her education, earning a Master’s degree in English from NC State University. She taught there for 7 years.

Frances was married to Farmer Sterling Smith for 34 years until his death in 1992. They had a daughter, Jean. Frances was lovingly devoted to her family and referred these years as the happiest phase of her life.

In the many years following her husband’s death, Frances continued to grow, learn, and serve others. She was devoted to her church. She loved nature and felt close to God and His work in gardening and through observing birds and other animals. She was an active, long-time member of the Brookhaven Night Garden Club.

She also continued her work in journalism, retiring at age 80 as Senior Editor of Metro Magazine. Then, Frances fulfilled her dream of writing a novel and was in the process of submitting it for publication when her health began to decline.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Nora and Dack Alexander, and by her sister, Grace Alexander Swann.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Jean Sterling Smith, and nieces Beth Swann Snipes, Gail Hendricks, and Sarah Tacker, and nephew Ronnie Swann; and also numerous great-nieces and nephews

A celebration of her life will be held September 17 at 2:00 P.M. at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

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