Frances Drinnon

Balsam, Frances "Fran" Elaine Smathers Drinnon, age 55, passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville after fighting a valiant and courageous battle with esophageal cancer. She was a native of Haywood County but had lived most of her life in Jackson County and was the daughter of Gordon and Betty Smathers of Waynesville. She retired from Haywood County Schools Child Nutrition Program, was a bus driver, and attended Balsam Baptist Church. Fran cherished her relationships with her family and friends. She was an amazing cook always making delicious meals for her family and friends. Fran will be remembered for her "fighting spirit" through her battle with esophageal cancer. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband of 10 years, Darrell Drinnon, one son, Chris Angel and his wife Leigh Ann of Fletcher; one daughter, Kelly R. Kelley and her husband David; one sister, Shirley Moody and her husband Danny and one brother, Doug Smathers and his wife Jimmie Sue, all of Waynesville; two grandchildren, Rebekah and Eden Angel; nieces, Wendy Carver, Karis Plemmons, Amber Henson and Aleisha Evans, and a nephew Eddie Smathers. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Balsam Baptist Church. Reverend Johnny Swanger will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at "The Barn". In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Duke Cancer Institute, 512 S. Mangum St., Suite 400, Durham, NC 27701 or to John F. Keever Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Waynesville is in charge of arrangements.

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