Frances A. Smith's Obituary
Frances Armacost Smith of Lewes, DE passed away on May 26, 2026. She was born on June 8, 1933, in Salisbury, MD, the daughter of Velma and Millard Armacost. Frances was raised in Kingsville, MD, graduating from Kenwood High School in 1951 and continuing her education at The Easton and Burnett Business School.
Frances married Charles E. Smith, Sr. at a beautiful wedding on June 28, 1952 in Kingsville, MD. They moved to Lewes, DE where Charles was stationed in the Coast Guard. It was here that they made their home, raised their family, ran the family businesses, and made many lifelong friends.
Frances worked for Bryan and Rollins Ford and later with her husband, Charles in their businesses in Lewes, DE: Smith and Pittman Amoco Service Station, later, Smith’s Amoco Service Station and eventually Smith’s Wayside Auto Sales and Service. She also worked at The Sussex Trust Company Bank in Lewes for five years.
Frances enjoyed crafting and decorating and for a number of years, she owned the quaint Smith’s Wayside Gift Shoppe, at the entrance to Lewes. The rhymes she put on the store’s sign always brought a smile to those riding by.
Frances was deeply devoted to her family and she created a warm and loving home. Her family has fond memories of family dinners, especially enjoying her delicious chicken and dumplings and pumpkin pies. Frances and Charles hosted beautiful and memorable family Christmas dinners for many years.
Frances’ home was a welcoming place for family and friends. She and Charles graciously entertained guests throughout the year and especially during the summer season. Frances had a passion for gardening. Her beautiful flower gardens were admired by all. Frances baked and decorated beautiful cakes for birthdays and special occasions. Frances was an avid reader, always sharing information with her family. She entertained Bridge Groups in her home, enjoyed her friends’ lunch group, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and years ago she enjoyed the beach and water skiing.
Frances was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes where, for many years, she taught Sunday School and Bible School, sang in the choir, and worked with the women’s group and at the annual Antiques Show. She volunteered with the Beebe Hospital Auxiliary, working in the gift shop and transporting patients.
Frances and Charles enjoyed traveling to Lancaster, PA many times throughout the year and introducing that area to their children and grandchildren. They took memorable trips to Alaska, Florida and South Carolina, as well as many other destinations on the East Coast.
Frances was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles, of nearly 72 years, her parents, and her brothers Floyd and Leonard Culver.
Leaving to cherish her memory and kind, generous heart are her children: Charles E. Smith, Jr. (Connie), Beth Smith, and Regina LeGates, grandchildren: Kim Smith, Christy Bogle (Mark), Cody Smith (Staci), Kelly Smith, Danielle Blankenship (Jordan), Derek LeGates, and Marissa LeGates (Ashe); great-grandchildren: Hayden, Finley, Livvy, Blair, and Lindy; foreign exchange daughter Carolina Vernot Kohler (Peter) of Austria and Spain; extended family members: Mary Lou and Wayne Warren and family, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and treasured family friends.
The family appreciates the care and kindness of Frances’ caretakers, Gina Mifflin, Linda Campbell and recent graduate Olivia Creamer, RN. They are also grateful to Delaware Hospice for their support with Frances’ care.
A graveside celebration of life will be held at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes, DE on June 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM.
The family suggests donations in Frances’ memory be made to The Lewes Fire Dept. (Ambulance) PO Box 225 Lewes, DE 19958 or The ALS Association at https://www.als.org in memory of her brother, Leonard.
Please sign the tribute wall located on this website.
Florist note-
Please deliver all floral tributes on Monday June 8, 2026 by 10 AM to the Lewes Funeral Home location.
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