Chattanooga Bids Farewell to Beloved Community Member Frankie Joyce Fairbanks Smith
Chattanooga has lost a remarkable soul as Frankie Joyce Fairbanks Smith, a lifelong resident, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024. She was 88 years old and left behind a beautiful legacy filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
A Life Well Lived
Born on July 26, 1936, to B.F. “Buster” and Inez Fairbanks, Frankie showed her vibrant spirit from a young age. Growing up in the tight-knit community of Chattanooga, she attended Red Bank High School, where her warm demeanor and caring nature would soon blossom into a lifelong commitment to family and friends. In March 1953, she married her beloved husband, H. Leon Smith Jr., marking the beginning of a beautiful 66-year partnership.
For many years, Frankie dedicated herself to her family as a loving homemaker and an enthusiastic homeroom mom for many classes. Her passion for being involved in her children’s lives was evident to all, earning her the admiration of parents and children alike. Frankie was not only a mom; she was everyone’s mom.
A Talented Woman
Beyond her role as a mother, Frankie had many talents that made her a well-respected figure in her community. She was a phenomenal bowler, achieving several perfect games that left her fellow bowlers in awe. If you knew Frankie, you might have seen her at the bowling alley, her laughter ringing through the air as she celebrated a strike or eased her frustration after a spare.
Frankie was also a gifted seamstress and spent many happy hours working on various projects, bringing joy to her friends and family through her creations. In addition to sewing, she took great pride in her garden, often sharing the fruits of her labor with neighbors and friends.
A Legacy of Love
In 1994, Frankie took her entrepreneurial spirit to a new level by opening her small business, Graysville Shop & Sew, where her fabric creations continued to touch the hearts of her community. Her contributions went beyond her business, as she also served as a dedicated member of Morris Hill Baptist Church, where she and Leon long attended together.
Sadly, Frankie’s beloved husband passed before her, but they remain forever joined in spirit. Besides Leon, Frankie was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings. Her vibrant family includes children Rodney (Sharon) Smith, Vickie (David) Brown, Tammy (Tim) McDade, and Dino (Abby) Smith, along with an impressive number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gratitude for Care
The family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hickory Valley Retirement Community, her caregiver Katy Hamby, Hearth Hospice, and the supportive members of Morris Hill Baptist Church. Their compassion helped Frankie during her final journey, and the family is thankful for their unwavering dedication.
Final Farewell
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Frankie’s life during a visitation on Thursday, September 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel, located at 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN. A second visitation will take place on Friday, September 20, from 9-10 a.m., followed by a funeral service starting at 10 a.m. with Reverend Bill Mason officiating. A committal service will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Hearth Hospice or FURever FURkids. Memories and messages can be shared at the funeral home’s website as the family remembers Frankie and celebrates a life full of joy, kindness, and cherished moments.
Though we say goodbye to Frankie Joyce Fairbanks Smith, her warm spirit will continue to live on in our hearts and memories.
