Mary Frances Smith-Burton

Celebrating The Homegoing of Grand Mama Mary Frances Smith-Burton. May 17, 1894 ~ December 30, 2005. Services: Tuesday, January 3, 2006. Wake - 10:00 A.M., Funeral Service - 11:00 A.M. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 4501 S. Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60617. Rev. Gary M. Cain ~ Officiating. Obituary: Mary Frances Smith-Burton was born May 17, 1894 in Emondale, Mississippi the daughter of Ms. Ella Smith. She had an eighth grade education and was successful. Mary Frances united in holy matrimony to James Richard Burton, which preceded her in death. To this union was born three children, AD, Rosella (deceased) and James Leonard. Grand mama Mary accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She served as a Flower Circle Person, which sent cards and flowers to the sick. She also enjoyed singing along with the choir and socializing after church with people of all ages. Grand mama Mary faithfully mediated and read her bible every morning. When asked the question what is the secret to living a long life? she replied: Serve God, treat your fellow man right and walk up right. James Leonard said she raided the refrigerator almost every night. She also loved talking on the telephone, watching tv and admiring her garden; but her favorite hobby was eating. Grand mama Mary leaves fine memories, one Son James Leonard Burton of Chicago, Illinois, ten grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, thirty great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mother (Dear Mom): Sometimes I sit and I watch the sky, I feel the wind blow and the clouds rumble by, I imagine Heaven as it opens its gate, but now I wonder why you were dealt this fate... You were a daughter, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a friend, a protector, a guide, a counselor, a pillar of strength who never looked back at being a servant. You have truly been A Mother to me. From James. Order of Service: Organ Prelude; Processional of Family; Mistress of Ceremony - Sis. Mary Jean Hubbard; Scripture Colossians 3:1-4 - Sis. Nancy Wade; Prayer - Bro. Thomas Wilson; Solo - Bro. Muse; Acknowledgements - Sis. Donna Bolden; Remarks (2 Minutes); Obituary - Sis. Mary Wright; Eulogy - Rev. Gary M. Cain; Reviewal/Recessional. Acknowledgements: Grand mamma's passing leaves a gap in our family. If we could speak in the tongues of men and angels, we still would not be able to express our gratitude for all of your acts of kindness. Special thanks go to Cecerene Gulley and Mildred Powell for their commitment to seeing to grand mamma in her time of sickness. Arrangements and Direction Entrusted To A. A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Chapels.