Mildred Frances "Fran" Smith Griffin

Charlotte - Mrs. Griffin, 84, passed away at home on May 1, 2019. She was born on August 17, 1934 in McDowell County, NC, the oldest child of the late Earl J. Smith, Sr. and the late Blanche E. Robinson Smith. Fran was married to the late Calvin T. Griffin for 56 years, and was the beloved mother and grandmother of three daughters and one grandson. She was the nurturing big “Sister” to eight younger siblings. She was a devoted wife and mother, a talented homemaker, a thrifty businesswoman, a gifted seamstress, and possessed an amazing green thumb. She was adored by everyone who knew her, especially children and animals. She had the smallest size in the family, but possessed the biggest and mightiest of hearts.

Fran moved to Charlotte after graduating from high school in McDowell County in 1952. She lived and worked as a secretary in the Dilworth neighborhood, and she also modelled for Harris-Hart Clothing Store. She met her beloved husband, Calvin, in 1953 in Dilworth through mutual friends while he was home on leave from service in the United States Army, and they married in July 1954. She took great joy in their three daughters and grandson, who in turn were devoted to her.

Fran and Calvin built many houses in and around Charlotte, and she was instrumental in making design and decoration decsions for the homes they built. She was also Calvin’s partner in their HUD Home Inspection business.

Fran’s family includes: Beverly Griffin (daughter) and John Adams, Jr. (grandson) of Charlotte; Cindy and Benny Wilson (daughter and son-in-law) of Locust; and Leslie Griffin (daughter) of Lenoir. Her siblings are: Earl Smith, Jr. of Charlotte; Tom Smith of Marion, NC; Mary Jane Smith of Marion, NC; the late George Smith; Nancy Smith of Prescott, AZ; Margaret Smith of Charlotte; Johnny Smith of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Kathy Lamb of Old Fort, NC. She also had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2019, in the chapel of Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte. The family will receive friends after the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation at www.alzinfo.org.