Jean "Fran" Frances Smith

Jean Frances Smith, known to all as “Fran”, was born on July 22nd, 1943, in Tarpon Springs, FL, and peacefully passed away at her home in Magnolia, TX, on July 30th, 2024. Her childhood was filled with swimming, music, church activities and Girl Scouts, as well as playing board games with her family. She made lots of summer memories with her siblings and cousins in Aripeka, where they had a little cottage. Fran spent the majority of her young adult years courageously raising four children by herself. She was an amazing mother, totally committed to her children, many times going the extra mile to support them. To this day, her children still remember how she would take them camping on Crystal Beach in Galveston and sleep in a tent with them on the sand. She often worked multiple jobs to meet their needs and provide opportunities. She went above and beyond to support each of their activities, even driving 24 hours many weekends just to be in attendance at a football game! She was a tireless advocate for health needs as well, spending months with her youngest child at Shriner’s hospital.

Fran’s devotion to the Lord was inspiring to all. As her children left the nest, Fran continued to set goals. In her mid-life she chose to tackle a degree and switch from many years in retail to Christian counseling, where she passionately shared her faith! She worked in rehabilitation centers, where she was a fierce advocate for helping those with struggles get back on their feet with a new lease on life. Upon retirement, she found new love with her wonderful husband Dennis Smith, and together they shared their life on a farm in Caldwell, TX. She was proceeded in death by her father Joseph Lysek, mother Beatrice Lysek, sister Hilma Tracey, and brother Bartow Lysek. She is survived by husband, Dennis Smith, sister Josephine Nichols, daughter, Bunnie Adkins and husband Mark, son Scott Hopkins and wife Jurema, son Wade Hopkins and wife Julie, and daughter, Debbie Cannady. She was affectionately known as Meemaw to 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, and will be missed by many wonderful friends. Her family is at peace, knowing she is with the Lord due to her personal faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org .