Dora Frances Smith

Dora Frances Smith, age 88, of New Lothrop, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Flint, Michigan. A funeral service will take place 11:30 AM, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd, Swartz Creek. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 22 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and again on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Private interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the NKH Crusaders, 122 Biscayne Ave, Weymouth, MA 02188 or Children’s Homes Inc, 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450. 

Frances was born on April 25, 1936 in Gainesville, Arkansas, the daughter of Porter Ray and Lavada (Eaker) Sellers. In her early life, she lived in Tennessee and California where she made endless memories that she loved to share with her family. In 1950, the family moved to Michigan. It was waiting for a bus that she first saw a tall, handsome man that would change the course of her life. On June 15, 1956, Frances married Bobbie Joe Smith. It was a rarity to see them apart and if one was being talked about it was a certainly the other was as well. Their strong and loving marriage endured for 67 years before he was called home to be with the Lord in 2023.

Frances worked many different jobs over the years. From working the counter at Woolworth’s and Kresge’s Department Stores to her time working the candy counter and in the pharmacy at Civic Heights pharmacy, Frances was always learning new things and touching lives. After her and Bob retired, she decided to return to work as a volunteer in the gift shop at McLaren Hospital for 13 years. In all of these places, Frances lived out her desire to serve others.

A truly beautiful woman inside and out, Frances was loved by all who knew her. She never met a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and probably had a story to share as well.

Frances enjoyed bowling, gardening and traveling. She made countless friends wherever she went. Frances was a lover of spicy foods, a great card game, and talking on the phone. She thought FaceTime was the greatest invention since she could actually see the people she loved. Frances loved old time gospel music, fancy jewelry, and having her nails and hair done.

Frances spent her life devoted to her family and was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren. Her nurturing and loving nature was evident to those around her. She spent many years caring for Bob; always putting the needs of her family above her own.

Above all, Frances loved God. She attended the Christ of Christ her entire life. She led by example and often it was her actions more than her words that spoke to those around her. Frances showed Jesus to the world with her sweet nature and her loving and caring servant’s heart.

Frances will be terribly missed by all who knew her but has left an indelible mark on those whose life she touched. Left to cherish her memory and to pass on all lessons she taught are her children, Cathy (Kevin) Bushre and Robert (Michelle) Smith; grandchildren, Stephanie (Patrick) Fuller, Phillip (Kathryn) Bushre, Jarrod (Amanda) Smith, Ariel (Jeff) Coats; great-grandchildren, Caela (Hunter), Kaden, Eleanor, Nadia, Addy, Aleeya, Aidan, Wrynn, Avery, Harper, Lakyn; sisters, Jackie Bodine and Norma Sellers; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Frances was also looking forward to being a great-great grandmother in the fall.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lavada Sellers; husband, Bob; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Evelyn, and Emersyn Fuller and Eliza Bushre. The family also wishes to thank the entire McLaren Flint CCU team for their tireless care of our Mom and Nana. Tributes may be directed to www.sharpfuneralhomes.com