Frankie Joyce Fairbanks Smith
Frankie Joyce Fairbanks Smith, 88, a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 13, 2024.
She was born on July 26, 1936, to B.F. "Buster" and Inez Fairbanks. Frankie attended Red Bank High School and after married H. Leon Smith Jr. in March of 1953. In her early years, she was a homemaker and busy homeroom mom to countless classes. Frankie was a skilled bowler who was able to bowl several perfect games. She also was a talented seamstress and gardener. Frankie had been a small business owner of Graysville Shop & Sew. She was a member of Morris Hill Baptist Church with her husband for many years.
Frankie was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, H. Leon Smith; parents, listed above; in-laws, Harl L. Smith Sr. and Pauline Smith; sister, Freda "Toddy" (Tony) Keylon; and brothers, Skipper (Carolyn) Fairbanks, Jay (Jacque) Fairbanks, Ray Fairbanks, and Bill Fairbanks.
Survivors include children, Rodney (Sharon) Smith, Vickie (David) Brown, Tammy (Tim) McDade, Dino (Abby) Smith; grandkids, Ryan (Hope) Smith, Chad (Jami) Smith, Stephen (Amber) Brown, Daniel (Tricia) Brown, Blake (Ryan) McDade, Ian (Kellie) McDade, Jared (Leslie) McDade, Joshua (Helen) Smith, and Brittani Smith; 15 great-grandkids; brother, Randy (Marty) Fairbanks; sister-in-law, Darla Fairbanks; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to express gratitude to the staff at Hickory Valley Retirement Community; caregiver, Katy Hamby; Hearth Hospice; nurse, Leona; and her friends and Sunday School classmates at Morris Hill Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made out to Hearth Hospice, 513 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403 or FURever FURkids, www.fureverfurkids.com
A visitation for Frankie will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, P.O. Box 9, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
A visitation will occur on Friday, Sept. 20, from 9-10 a.m. at North Chapel. A funeral service will occur Friday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. with Reverend Bill Mason officiating following the visitation. A committal will occur on Friday, Sept. 20, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens prior to the service, 5351 TN-153, Chattanooga, Tn. 37343.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.