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Frances Smith Obituary
1932-2015
Frances Elaine Newton Smith passed away Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Dr. Edgar Benton (Ben) Smith. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Sheri Dinehart (with husband Scott Dinehart) and Robin Fredrickson (with partner Jeff Munoz), grandsons Matt and Tim Dinehart, sister Katherine Courtland (with husband James), brothers Charles Newton (with wife Claudie) and Randy Newton (with wife Carol) and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Elaine also will be missed by her loving caretakers Vangie, Nanette, Joyce, Dorothy, Margie and Barbara.
Elaine was born in Houston on September 28, 1932. She graduated from Lamar High School, attended Baylor University, and was a graduate of the University of Houston. After marrying her ninth grade sweetheart, Ben, on August 1, 1953, they embarked on a life full of love, comradery and travel.
While living in London with her family, Elaine developed a love of British royal commemoratives and collected them the remainder of her life. Elaine also was a devout Christian and enjoyed being involved in the Methodist churches in the cities where she lived, including Moody Methodist Church in Galveston and St. Paul's Methodist Church in Houston.
Known for her graciousness, Elaine was the consummate spouse, mother, friend and hostess (she made a mean English trifle). Ben depended on her advice and support throughout his career and she enjoyed travelling to all parts of the world with him. To her daughters, she was the ultimate example of a true southern lady: kind and caring to those she loved but equally compassionate and giving to those she had never met before.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A celebration of Elaine's life will be held at St. Paul's Methodist Church on Thursday, February 26th at 3 pm.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to: The Edgar B. Smith, M.D., Professorship in Dermatology Endowment, University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Dermatology, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, Texas 77555-0783; The Blue Bird Circle, 615 West Alabama St., Houston, TX 77006; or the ARCH Homeless Services at St. Paul's Methodist.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frances Smith
Sponsored by Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale.
Eduardo Tschen
February 19, 2024
Elaine definitely left a mark in our hearts. Ben and Elaine made a great partnership. Soft, smily, warm, she was more than that, insightful, charming, intelligent. I remember the many times I visited them in Albuquerque, Galveston, Albuquerque and even Houston. Despite her physical problems she was not a complainer and taught all of us to be resilient and not complainers. A great lady indeed!
Linda Johnson
January 10, 2016
Sheri and Robin- So sorry to hear about your Mom. Her Christmas card came back and we were concerned. Much love to all. Linda Hanson Johnson
Sheri, Elaine and Robin, dressed in period costume in Galveston, around mid 1980s.
Kathy Newton Coirtland
March 21, 2015
Elaine and Ben, possibly as Ben was honored by Academy of dermatology or Galveston Artillery Club Ball
Kathy Newton Coirtland
March 21, 2015
Elaine and her dear friend Bea Wilson serving high tea at Elaine's Galveston historical 1895 home
Kathy Newton Coirtland
March 21, 2015
Sister Kathy and daughter Sheri with Elaine Easter, 201 or 2014.
Kathy Newton Coirtland
March 21, 2015
Sheri and Robin were first grandchildren on both sides of the family!
Kathy Newton Coirtland
March 21, 2015
Elaine in her 82nd year, she still went out almost everyday, got her hair and nails done despite being paralyzed in a wheelchair .
Kathy Newton Coirtland
March 21, 2015
Brenda Hendlmyer
March 15, 2015
Looking over photographs of the Christmas party for the UMW of St. Paul's UMC I smile at the sight of our lovely Elaine,a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her red lips and no doubt , a new perm. She was an inspiration to us all and gave us joy that day. She had once again survived a serious illness and we had yet another good time together. Elaine's love of life will forever live as an example of as her mother said,"you can be glad or mad in the same clothes" . This attitude is visible in her lively sister Kathy and certainly Elaine's extended family. We will miss her and are greatful to have been one of many circles of people that have shared time here on earth with Lady Elaine.
Elaine and the family when she was a teenager, one more little sister came 8 years later
Kathy Courtland
March 5, 2015
February 26, 2015
Sheri and Robin - always a lovely lady since I first met her when Ben and I were freshmen at Rice . We used to double date and were in each other's weddings . I have many fond memories of our times together . I know you will miss her greatly and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. - Terry Collier
1953 wedding tTo Ben Smith, with 1200 in attendance at Second Bapt in Houston
Kathy Courtland
February 26, 2015
February 25, 2015
My most sincere condolences to Sheri and Robin and families, for the passing away of Elaine. She will always be remembered by all the former residents of Ben who I considered part of my most important memories in my adult life. She was supportive, friendly, happy and her influence in all of us former residents and friends will be greatly missed. It is a very sad day but she left a better world and unforgettable memories. Rest in peace.
Paul Schwab
February 25, 2015
Sheri and Robin,
I am sorry to learn of your mother's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Whenever I saw her,your mom was gracious. The first time I remember meeting her in New Mexico. She made us feel at home and ensured that we had a great visit. While it may not have been her "cup of tea", she added much to our families' time together at Deer Valley.
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Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023
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