Frances Stewart Smitherman

MACON-Frances Evelyn Stewart Smitherman, age 82, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2009. Mrs. Smitherman was born in Miami, Florida on July 31, 1926. Her family relocated to Georgia when she was a young child. Frances moved several years ago to Macon from St. Marys, Georgia where she was a member of St. Marys United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. Mrs. Smitherman began her career as a telephone operator with Southern Bell in Brunswick, Georgia and retired as a supervisor after 25 years service. She trained people to operate the first PBX systems at the King and Prince on St. Simons Island. Mrs. Smitherman enjoyed researching her Scottish heritage and attending Scottish festivals. For many years she taught ballroom dancing at the YWCA in Brunswick, Georgia. Mrs. Smitherman loved helping others and making people feel special. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes Della Rittenhouse Stewart and Paul Rudell Stewart, and her youngest daughter, Frances Phillips. Survivors include her daughter, Lee Laughter (John) of Macon and her grand daughters Amy Laughter and Julie Laughter. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P. M., Monday, March 2, 2009 in the chapel at Bolingreen Nursing Center, 529 Bolingreen Drive, Macon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, 6869 Columbus Road, Lizella, GA., 31052. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street has charge of arrangements