Welcome to Williams Funeral Home

Fannie Mae Wells Smith, widow of Clyde Smith, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at her residence surrounded by family. Fannie was born on October 30, 1927, in Lee County, as the only daughter of the late Johnny Elmore Wells and Minnie Moses Wells. Her maternal grandparents were the late Peter Moses and Emma Cook Moses; her paternal grandparents were the late Moses Wells and Fannie Durant Wells. Throughout Fannie’s 92 years here on earth, she impacted the lives of many. She took on several roles but overall her favorites were being a loving, compassionate and caring daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin and neighbor. She truly loved her family, neighbors and friends. Her mother taught her to read and write at an early age. As a young child, she would read her Bible and memorize scriptures on her summer vacation train rides to Florida to visit her Uncle Luther and Aunt Florence. As a teenager she worked summers in New York. A lifelong caregiver for children and adults, she had a passion for caring for others and making sure their needs were met. Without hesitation, when her mother became ill, she became a full-time caregiver. Referred to as the historian and Matriarch of her neighborhood, her doors were always open for a visit. Hobbies that brought her joy were cooking, baking, cake decorating, canning and feeding anyone who was hungry. For years she served as her neighborhood’s-4-H Leader and Adult Literacy coach. She was one of the top Bible Scholars on a local inspirational station. Fannie also had a passion for reading, planting beautiful flower beds, and was a gifted seamstress. Her love for laughter and a good joke made her sense of humor one of a kind up until her final days. As a woman of God that diligently served in the church, she was a member of Grace Cathedral for many years. Respectfully known as Mother Smith, she attended service faithfully until her health declined. She was a former member of New Hope C. O. O. L. J. and Trinity Baptist Church. Fannie was a graduate of Morris College and attended Sumter Area Technical College. She leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters, Joyce Ann Scott, Melvetta Smith McGainey, Belinda Smith Josey; two sons, Clyde Ronald Smith (Diane) and Randolph Smith (Bernice); twelve grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two nephews, Johnny M. Wells, Jr. Jackie Wells; one niece, Quinteina Frierson; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Johnny M. Wells, William C. Wells and Benjamin A. Wells, and one grandson, Sean Randall Smith. Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and Amedisys Home Health. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, a private graveside services will be held 1 p. m., Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Hillside Memorial Park, 3001 Cains’ Mills Road, Sumter, A public Memorial service will be held at a future date. The procession will leave at 12:20 p. m. from 15 Frazier Street, Sumter,

Condolence Messages

Leave Your Condolence

Please feel free to sign the Guest Register and forward your condolences to friends and family members who have suffered a loss. Please enter your words of remembrance in the space provided. You may select whether you wish for us to deliver them to the family, display them online or both. Please note that Williams Funeral Home, Inc. will review all messages before they are published on the world-wide web or forwarded to family members. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Thank-you.

*
*Required Field *