Mrs. Frances Smith Bentley died Aug. 6. The daughter of the late Mr. Willie Nye Smith and Mrs. Nora Lillian Tuggle Smith, she was born in 1927 in Covington. She graduated from Washington Street School and taught public school for several years. Mrs. Bentley was an avid believer in education and encouraged everyone she met to stay in school. She was a fantastic homemaker and stay-at-home mother for many years. She was very resourceful and enjoyed sewing for her family. Mrs. Bentley reentered the workforce when her children were older, first at Bibb Manufacturing and later at Hercules Inc. She joined New Hope Baptist Church at an early age and remained active until her health declined. Mrs. Bentley was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Walter Herman Bentley Sr.

Surviving are son Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. (Cynthia) Bentley Jr.; daughters Mr. and Mrs. Joseph (Dolores) Bryant, Mrs. Annthonese Hughey, Mr. and Mrs. John Wayne (Anntolea) Cody; grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Walter (Stephanie) Bentley III, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher (Tomeica) Bentley, Mr. and Mrs. James (Jonique) Taylor, Ms. Deidre Cody, Mr. and Mrs. Waymon (Shamika) Cody, Mr. Darryl Hughey, Ms. Renita Hughey, Ms. Jerica Hughey; seven great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Mr. Charlie Epps; sisters-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Walter (Josephine) Brown, Mrs. Robbie Bradford; devoted caretakers Ms. Hazel Morgan, Ms. Nannie Devoe; a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Aug. 9 at New Hope Baptist Church with Pastor Harold Miller Jr. officiating. Interment followed at Westside Cemetery.

The Covington News
July 13, 2008