July 26, 2022, 87, Pikeville –

Frances Octavia Tange Smart, 87, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at Countryside Village in Pikeville. Born in Chicago, Illinois on December 31, 1934, she was the daughter of the late August L. and Marie Rose Schinck Tange.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Spike Tange.

Fran is survived by her son, Eugene William Gratton; daughter, Marie Daly and husband, Alan; grandsons, John Preston Daly, III and William Alan Daly; siblings, Eugenia M. Tange, Butch Tange, and Loretta T. Carter; and several nieces and nephews. Fran is also survived by a special friend, Felton “Dusty” Rhodes.

Fran enjoyed working for JCPenney for 30 years, where she specialized in Advertising and Visual Arts. Her eye for detail and creativity allowed her to travel along the East Coast for the company to create displays and assist with new store sets.

After her retirement from JC Penney’s, Fran put her many talents to work for Robeson County’s only not-for-profit hospice agency, Southeastern Hospice (formerly Hospice of Robeson), by joining their fundraising committee. Her kind and loving nature made her a welcome member, and her eye for design was a huge asset whether she was creating a backdrop for the spring fashion show or artfully arranging donated goods, crafts and baked goods on the dozens of tables for the annual Festival of Trees. Fran also donated many of her beautifully painted items to be sold for the cause.

With tremendous love for her family, Fran took great pride in her title as Mom and Granny. In her spare time, Fran’s favorite hobby was dancing. She also loved gardening, crafts, and shopping.

Fran was a member of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Lumberton, NC.

A graveside service to celebrate Fran’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Barry Weyant officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Community Home Care & Hospice – Goldsboro, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or Walker Memorial United Methodist Church, 2862 NC Hwy 111 S, Seven Springs, NC 28578.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.