A Service of Thanksgiving was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Mary Frances “Frankie” Smithers, who went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Sept. 20, just a few weeks before her 95th birthday. Burial followed in Oddfellows Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11:30 a.m. until service time on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at McKibben and Guinn.
Frankie was the daughter of the late Lura Goss and the late Charles H. Bunch of Cleveland. Growing up in Cleveland, she attended Delta State where she met her future husband, A.R. “Randy” Smithers. They were married 56 years before his death in 2006. She and Randy served several schools in Mississippi before settling in Holcomb where she was the secretary/bookkeeper at Holcomb School. Eight years later, they moved to Grenada where she was the secretary/bookkeeper at Jones Road Elementary School and Kirk Academy for 30 years.
Frankie was a member of the D.A.R., Garden Club and several civic clubs while in Grenada. In 2007, she moved to Hattiesburg to be close to her family. Frankie volunteered at Merit Health, enjoyed her aerobics classes, continued her involvement in the D.A.R. and was a member of Woodland Presbyterian Church. Whether Frankie was working at school, attending ballgames or involved in community activities, she was always a joy to be around. Her contagious smile and compassionate demeanor attracted people to her; she was a friend to everyone.
In addition to her parents, her husband, and her sister, Denolis Boozer of Jacksonville, Fla., preceded Frankie in death.
Survivors include, her four sons, Allen (Rene’) Smithers of Hattiesburg, Jack (Brenda) Smithers of Madison, Michael Smithers of Sumrall and Brent Smithers of Hattiesburg. Frankie “Meme” also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Chas (Amanda) Smithers, Amber (Samuel) Holdiness, Austin (Logan) Smithers, Arrie (Josh) Stevens, Jackie (Mike) Hardin, Emma Smithers and Cole Smithers, along with 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by two nieces.
The family would like to thank her sitters from Spirit and Truth Ministries and FGH Hospice for their care of Frankie.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Kirk Academy for the “Frankie Smithers Resource Room,” P.O. Drawer 1008, Grenada, MS 38902; Woodland Presbyterian Church, 3903 Lincoln Rd., Hattiesburg, MS 39402 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
