Emley Frances Taylor, 80, was born November 14, 1943, in Hollis, Oklahoma to Alfred Smothermon and Florence Smothermon Jones. Frances was the youngest of eight Smothermon children. Frances grew up as a vivacious and precocious child that lived her life to the fullest. From an early age, Frances always exhibited curiosities and a hunger to learn as much as she could about a variety of topics. Frances could often be found playing in and around the Daisy Queen during her mother’s workday.

 Frances graduated from Hollis High School in 1962. Following this, she received her undergraduate degree (1968) and graduate degree (1972) from Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Throughout her academic career, Frances refined her skills to become a talented educator that would serve her well during a distinguished career as a teacher.

 Beginning in Amarillo, Texas and finishing in Brownwood, Texas, Frances taught hundreds of students during her thirty-three (33) plus years as an educator. She taught a variety of subjects and excelled in her position as a gifted & talented teacher. Frances was passionate about her teaching, and this could often be seen in her creative units such as medieval studies, lessons about the circus, Egyptian history, and many other specialized topics.

 Frances was a steward of community service for much of her life. Whether it be on the art council, Cinco De Mayo board, or retired teachers’ association, she always sought to be actively involved in her community.

 Frances believed strongly in God and was a member of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ.

 Frances loved her family and friends immensely. She loved her birthday girls, neighbors, and co-workers with such zest and energy. Frances always talked about her family in Oklahoma and the love she had for them was written on her face as she smiled and told stories of past days. She had an infectious laugh that was not easily forgotten.

 Frances or Fa as she was known by her immediate family, loved her grandkids with all her heart. Fa would do anything for her grandkids and only wanted the best for each of them. Fa could always be counted on for support in whatever activities the grandkids were involved with.

 Frances’s pride and joy were represented in her children, Torri and Aaron. Fa loved her son and daughter like only a mother could. Her love for them was ferocious and knew no bounds.

 Frances passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, after a brief illness. Frances is preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Frances is survived by her daughter Torri Choate and her husband Abram Choate and their three children (Asher, Ava, and Corban) all of Brownwood, Texas. Frances is also survived by her son, Aaron Taylor of Brownwood, Texas.

A Celebration of Frances’s life will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Taylor family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com