Frances Teressa Smith

12/9/1948 – 2/16/2026

Our beloved Sister, Auntie, Motha, and Friend Frances, 77 was called to her heavenly home on Monday February 16, 2026. Frances entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ where she is now healed and rejoicing. Frances trusted God completely, her faith was the foundation of her life and now she rests in the arms of her Savior. Her Passing leaves a deep heartache, while her family and friends find peace in knowing she is now resting in eternal joy and reunited with those loved ones who went before her.

Frances is proceeded in death by her husband Anthony Smith (Chicago) Steph-daughter Onika (Chicago) whom she held near and dear to her heart. Her parents Thomas Ferguson her mother Julia Elizabeth Ferguson (Wells), Great-Great niece Kamea Julia Williams-Ferguson and Sister Carolyn Ferguson (Maryland).

Frances leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving sister Lydia C. Ferguson, niece Lakeisha Ferguson, Great nephew Armiss Ferguson, Great-Great niece Ava-Williams-Ferguson, Great-Great nephew’s Delevean Ferguson, Amari Ferguson, and Zaveon Ferguson.

As a faithful member of Faith Christian Center International she found great joy. She found a Sisterhood in the Stitch and Faith ministry and church fellowship. She delighted in the teachings of Pastor’s Dr. Wayne and Dr. Wendi Frye. Her cherished friends in Christ Ms. Sally Barbour, Ms. Virginia Porter, Ms. Violet Snipes-Azzi and Pastor Gwendolyn Rucker (North Carolina)

Frances or “Fats” as she was so loving know as early life begin in Charlottesville on Charlton Avenue. The “Charlton Ave” was a community of great pride and community and created lasting great memories. Frances and her family attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Mt. Zion African Baptist) where she was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “Fats” was a proud graduate of the City’s all Black Historic High School Jackson P Burley.

After being educated in Charlottesville Frances moved to the big city of Chicago Illinois where she worked for the Government in their Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chicago area office. While in the Greater Chicago Frances continued her spiritual growth and continued to hold on to her early teachings of the word of God and remained steadfast in her faith.

In 2003 Frances relocated to Charlottesville to be a caretaker for her mother. While being a caretaker for her mother “MothaFran” as she was affectionately called held down serval other part-time careers. First serving for the Charlottesville Police Department as a School Crossing Guard where she vigilantly pursed the safety of the students while controlling traffic at Buford Middle School (C’ville Middle School) and Venable Elementary School (Trailblazer Elementary) and later for Home Instead at home healthcare where she continued her role as a caretaker. Frances was also a diligent volunteer for the Center at the Belvidere Community Center, assisting our senior community with programs and often participating in many social engagements herself. It goes without saying that all who knew her will miss her spirt, her jokes, warm smile and love.

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and love. Thank you to the Hospice of Piedmont for their compassionate work and dedication to Frances and Family. The Family extends their warmest gratitude of Thanks To Pastors Dr. Wayne and Dr. Wendi Frye her Stitch and Faith Ministry Sisters and the entire Faith Christian International Church Family.

A celebration of Frances’s Life will be held

Saturday March 7, 2026

1pm

Faith Christian Center International

2186 Richmond Road

Charlottesville, Virginia 22911