Frances Anne Acker

Frances Anne Smith Acker passed away peacefully on January 1, 2017, in Douglasville, Georgia. She was born on May 12, 1935, in Gladewater, Texas; the only child of John Carvel and Emma Gladys Harper Smith. She grew up in East Mountain, Texas and after high school graduation attended Kilgore Junior College where she had the honor of serving as a Kilgore Rangerette. Frances later graduated from East Texas State University and married Julius Acker, Jr. on February 2, 1957.

Frances and Julius moved with their three children from Dallas, Texas to Columbus, Mississippi in 1967. In Columbus, Frances was an active member of the Junior Auxiliary, serving as president during her membership. She was an avid collector of antiques and was most proud of her work to restore the Barry House. She was one of the infamous “swim team moms” supporting the Columbus Swim Association and Golden Triangle Swim League during the years her children swam competitively. As her children grew into adulthood, Frances completed her master’s degree in speech pathology and worked as a speech pathologist in Caledonia and often served as a substitute teacher.

Upon her return to Texas in 1984, Frances continued to work in the public education system providing speech therapy to elementary school children until her retirement. In 2000, Frances relocated to Brookhaven, MS to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. She then made a last move to Douglasville, GA in 2016 for a short, but blessed time with Brian and his family.

Over the years, Frances was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed traveling throughout the world with her husband and close friends, always claiming London, England as her favorite destination. Through the years, she maintained close connections with dear friends from east Texas, her Tooanoowe Social Club from ETSU, close friends in Columbus, and her treasured colleagues in the school system.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Julius, and her parents.

She is survived by her three children, Dr. John Andrew Acker of Pensacola, FL, Julie Acker Ross of Brookhaven, MS, and Brian Alan Acker and his wife, Emily, of Douglasville, GA. Six grandchildren, of whom she was so proud, include Benjamin Ross and his wife Lindsey, Katey Ross, Harper Ross, Adam Acker, Annie Acker, and Ethan Acker; and two great-grandchildren, Lillian and Cormac Ross.

A graveside service for Frances will be held in Gilmer, Texas at Sunset Memorial Park at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 7, 2017, with The Reverend Kyle Bennett officiating under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Able, a special camp created to celebrate individuals with diverse abilities and gifts: Camp Able, c/o The Reverend Kyle Bennett, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1101 North Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145 (www.campable.org).