Frances was loved by her family and so many friends.  We will love you forever and your memory will forever remain in our hearts.

A memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 297 S. 5th Street Columbia, PA 17512. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the memorial service.

Frances Cole Lambert

“Fran”

March 25, 1945 – August 22, 2022

Obituary:

Frances Cole-Lambert was born on March 25, 1945, in Columbia, PA, to the Late Elva Mae (Cole) Smith, wife of George A. Smith, Jr.  On Monday, August 22, 2022, she transitioned from her earthly home to reside in her eternal home with her ancestors.

Education:

Frances was raised in Columbia, PA, where she started her education in the Columbia Area School District.  While attending Columbia High, she became the first African American drum majorette and the first African American to join the high school cheerleading team.  She participated in the Future Teachers of America program, the Press Club, Senior Tri-Hi-Y Choir and was a library assistant. 

Frances graduated from Columbia High in 1963.  In the fall of 1963, she entered Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, formally known as Cheyney State College, in Cheyney Pa, where she was on the dean’s list.  She knew she wanted to become a Spanish teacher and worked towards that goal while raising her family; it was during this time she transferred to West Chester University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1974.

Employment:

During college, Frances worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone, in Philadelphia, Pa.  After graduation, she began teaching English as a Second Language for the Chester County Intermediate Unit, and as a Spanish Teacher for Calvary Christian School in Coatesville, PA. 

Frances, a skilled seamstress enjoyed sewing clothes, designing, and making Afro-Centric dolls. Always the teacher she began to turn her passion into a home-based sewing business, teaching others how to sew for several years.

Activities:

She was an avid gardener and loved to cook.   She enjoyed traveling, visiting with family and friends, and listening to Bob Marley and Prince, her favorite musician.  She was a voracious reader who was known to have a strong faith and political opinions.

Family:

Frances married Thomas Lambert, Sr. in 1967 from that union three children were born.  Their marriage ended in 1994.  She is survived by their three children:  Alicia I. Lambert-Glenn of Royersford, PA, Donna L. Lambert of Philadelphia, PA, and Thomas D. Lambert, Jr. (Samantha) of Elkton, MD.  Two granddaughters:  Alexis L. Bortz (Erik) and Asia J. Glenn; Sisters Deborah Gray of York, Pa., and Georgianne Jones (Larry) of Augusta, GA; one brother Lindsey Smith of Columbia, Pa; and a special aunt, Lorraine Thurman of York, PA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were special to her and for whom she appreciated and was grateful to have.   She was preceded in death by her mother Elva Mae (Cole) Smith, her stepfather George A. Smith, Jr., and brother Kenneth Smith.

Frances was loved by her family and so many friends.  We will love you forever and your memory will forever remain in our hearts.

A memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 297 S. 5th Street Columbia, PA 17512

Visitation: 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Reverend Adrian Boxley officiating.   Clyde Kraft Funeral Home is overseeing all Memorial Arrangements.

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