Mary Frances “Fran” Smith, 89, of Wooster died on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Brookdale of Wooster.
She was born November 14, 1936 in Morristown, TN to Robert and Juanita Long Sexton. On June 14, 1957 she married Virgil W. Smith. He preceded her in death in 2011.
Fran was a homemaker who also helped Virgil with his well drilling business. She enjoyed sewing, collecting Cat’s Meows, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. She had attended West Hill Baptist Church. Fran volunteered with her husband at The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and also at People-to-People Ministries.
She is survived by her daughter Christine Redmon of Wellington; grandchildren Stacey Minter of Wellington and Devin (Danelle) Minter of Wooster; great grandchildren Luke, Emily, Mason, Theo and Jamie; sister-in-law Fran Fawcett of Wooster; daughter-in-law Teri Johnson of Wooster; nieces and nephews Sherry (Jeff) Minter of Hillsboro, Greg (Michelle) Sexton of Wooster and Diane (Rick) Stair of Wooster.
Along with her husband, Fran was preceded in death by her parents, son Darrell Smith, son-in-law Jim Redmon, brother Tom Sexton and a niece Linda Vandegrift.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster with Pastor Eric Fairhurst officiating. Interment will follow in West Salem Cemetery.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Contributions may be directed to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, Illinois 60093.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
To the family of Fran Smith: I am so very sorry for your loss I have known the Smith family for many years and considered them great friends. If there is anything I can do please contact me. I will help in anyway I can
Aunt Fran,
We will miss you so much! You are a very strong person after losing so many loved ones along the way! Your faith in God will prevail forever!
Love you and miss you!
To the family of Fran, she will be missed! I remember parties at Jeff & Sherry’s, Fran so loved her family. I had many talks with her in the hospital over the years and it tickled her if I brought her Gluten-free treats, especially Faithful Little Cupcake! I’ll miss her orneriness!
Love, Wendy
Thank you for loving your nephew so much! It was such a gift for us to work on your family history. Your commitment to God and family will be with us always.
Dear friend, Fran. I will miss talking with you every day. You helped me to stay grounded each day. Your words and stories will never be gone. A great friend to me and such a beautiful, caring person. I will meet you again someday day in Heaven
So sorry for your moms death Chris, Teri spoke of her often.