In Remembrance Of
Frances Porter
Frances Elizabeth Porter, 103, of Smithville, MO passed away January 17, 2025, surrounded by her family.
She was born on March 16, 1921, to James H. and Helen E. (Thomas) Cook in North Kansas City, MO. Frances grew up and attended school in Smithville.
In 1937, she was united in marriage to Herman Francis Ford. After their marriage they lived in Smithville where they made their home on the family farm. Herman passed away in September of 1968. In 1972, she married Carl E. Porter, they lived in Smithville until his passing in 1997.
Dedicated to their community, Frances and Carl started the Meals on Wheels program through the Spelman Memorial Auxiliary. She also held various offices and positions with the auxiliary. Frances was an active church member, an avid gardener, and loved to share her flowers and vegetables. At the age of 80, she learned to paint and created many beautiful pictures. She also enjoyed sewing and crafting. First and foremost, she loved spending time with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents James and Helen Cook; her husband’s Herman Ford and Carl Porter; and her twin brothers Tommy and Jimmy Cook.
Frances is survived by her son Ronald J. Ford and wife Jan; grandchildren Michelle (Jeff) Carmichael and Andrea Fraser; great-grandchildren Kaylea Carmichael, Madisyn Carmichael and Georgia Fraser, other relatives and many, many friends.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 24th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO.
A private family graveside service will take place at a later time at Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Smithville Senior Center.
Share on Social
Service Details
4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 24th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO
Comments & condolences
7 comments
Brenda Gilliam
What a sweet and kind lady she was,she volunteered in the sewing room at St Luke’s Northland along with my mother in law Darlene Gilliam, those ladies had lots of fun together and had a great friendship that I truly admired.
Joel and Donna White
Francis was such a dear friend to our mom. What a blessing to have her with you for so many years. She is walking the streets of gold in heaven with Marjorie like they used to walk in the neighborhood. Our prayers are with you .
Joel & Donna White
Catherine and Russ Bohm
We loved Frances and saw her recently when she came to Catherine’s concert even though she didn’t feel well. We loved her energy, love and stories. She will be missed at Benton.
Valerie Mackey
My heart is with Frances’ family and friends. She was an amazing light in this world. We have been so blessed by her in our church family. Even this last Christmas when we came to see her and sing carols, she came close to us and said…oh, it’s my people! She hugged Rev. Myra with her whole heart. She smiled with joy when our chaplains came to lead service on Sundays with her and her friends. That bright smile, those loving eyes, and open arms will be deeply missed.
Entire Carmichael family
We are all so very sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. What a blessing to have her in your life for so many wonderful years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Phyllis and Bob Courtney
Dear Family and Friends of Frances Porter,
We lived across the street from Frances Porter for many years in Grey Oaks and enjoyed our many visits with her. She was often entertaining guests who lived in Grey Oaks. She baked cakes for neighbors and invited many to come celebrate. She had a lot of joy and energy to help others celebrate. She always enjoyed visitors from her church. She volunteer there and in the community. At home she listened to audio books, worked in her flower beds and created many paintings. My favorite time that I spent with Frances was in the evening sitting outside on her driveway and inside when it got cold. We talked about our past, books, friends, relatives, etc. She talked very lovingly about her family as well. As long as I live I will remember our time spent together and with friends. It is a blessing to have had a friend like Frances. God bless you all, Phyllis and Bob Courtney
KATHY ATKINS
Greg and I are sending our condolences to your family. I remember Francis as a very kind and sweet lady. What a blessing that you had her for so many years on this earth.
Greg and Kathy Atkins