Frances Jean Smith, 86 of Westover passed away at Sundale Nursing Home, on Sunday morning, Oct. 17, 2021.
She was born Feb. 1, 1935, in Terra Alta, the daughter of the late Frank and Catherine Wilburn.
Frances worked at West Virginia University, retiring in 1997 with 28 years of service, 10 at the Office of Admissions and Records and the last 18 as a grant specialist for the office of sponsored programs. While at WVU, she joined WVU-ACE and later became an executive board member, political action chair and newsletter editor. In 1998 she became the unions professional organizer. At that time, Frances launched a small business in downtown Morgantown to help get grant monies for non-profit organizations.
Frances was an avid reader, painter, singer and musician. She could play any wind or percussion instrument she ever picked up, including the harmonica. She loved going to Mountaineer football and basketball games with her family, and she also loved to travel.
In her later years, her greatest love was working with the Morgantown Rotary. Frances absolutely loved working with the young adults at Clay Battelle High School, helping them to get scholarship monies.
Frances was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Donald Robert Smith, of Westover; and her two children, John A. Smith (Stephanie) and Mary F. Smith, both of Morgantown; five granddaughters: Connie, Melinda, Emily, Brittany and Megan; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her two siblings, Mary Conner and Franklin Wilburn; brother-in-law, Emery Conner; and sister-in-law, Joyce Wilburn.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22. A private service will take place at a later time.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Rotary Club of Morgantown, P.O. Box 411, Morgantown, WV 26507, in her honor.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
