Frances S. Obaugh

Frances Carolyn Smith Obaugh, 98, went to be with Lord on Monday, February 3, 2025.

She was born on September 11, 1926, in Atlee, to the late Adoniram George, Jr. and Esther Reese Smith.

Carolyn was a graduate of Goochland High School in 1944 and Madison College of Harrisonburg in 1948.

She moved to Staunton in 1949 and worked as a church secretary at the First Baptist Church for twelve years. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church and served as a Deacon-Deacon Emeritus. She taught Sunday school for seventy-two years and she also volunteered at the Augusta Health Thrift Shop for over sixty-five years. She was a lifetime member of the Salvation Army Board where she was also the first elected woman president in the 1970’s. She took great pride in volunteering on the State Board of Elections for twenty-five years.

Carolyn had a profound appreciation for nature, which was evident in her garden where she nurtured over forty rose bushes. In addition to her love for gardening, Carolyn enjoyed the art of collecting postcards. Carolyn was also known for her adventurous spirit, especially her love of driving.

She is survived by her son, Michael Dean Obaugh and his wife, Judy; her daughter, Elaine Miller Bell and her husband, Tom; her daughter-in-law, Laurie Obaugh; her brother, George Smith and his wife, Jayne; her grandchildren, Tyler Obaugh, Brittany Bell Moye and her husband, Larry, and Justin Bell and his wife, Megan; several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Warren Obaugh; her son, Alan Douglas Obaugh; and her brother, Lilburne Mason Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 14, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Staunton with Pastor Michael Nay and Mr. Danny Pritchett officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM.

Active pallbearers will be Tyler Obaugh, Greg Obaugh, Eric Prichett, Fred Hale, Gary Roberson, and Brett Ritchie.

Interment will immediately follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church TV Ministry (406 West Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401).