Frances Baldwin Johnson went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 8, 2012. She was born on February 26, 1922 in Oak Hill, Florida to Van Buren and Mary Baldwin. Frances attended Oak Hill School through 9th grade and graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School in 1940. She worked in her father's Oak Hill General Store, staying on in 1945 to work beside her brother, V.B. Baldwin, Jr., for 35 years. She was known and loved by the community she served. In 1964, she married Matthew Robert Johnson from Syracuse, N.Y., who preceded her in death in 1985. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Oak Hill for more than 70 years, and served as Church pianist for more than 50 years. She was an active member of the Garden Club and Oak Hill Community Trust, formerly known as the Village Improvement Association, which was started in 1906 by her uncle and mother. She was a lifelong sports fan, especially of the Florida Gators. Frances is survived by her sister, Dr. Vanita Baldwin, Jacksonville; Stepdaughters: Boberetta (Richard), Albrigo, Syracruse, N.Y.; Rosemarie (Jim) Goodrich, Oak Hill. Johnson Grandchildren: Kelli Spagnoletti, Bernittia Bakaaski, Sheryl Mazzocchi, all from Syracruse, N.Y.; 23 great-grandchildren. Baldwin nieces and nephews: Anita (Larry) Baker, Winter Park; Richard (Jody) Wheeler, Oak Hill; Dana Baldwin Greatrex, Oak Hill; Karen (Chuck) Wiles, Port Orange; Charles Baldwin, New Smyrna Beach; Cynthia Coleman, Edgewater; Gary (Nancy) Meares, New Smyrna Beach; Becky Meares Dietz, Edgewater; David (Sandy) Meares, New Smyrna Beach; Ward Meares, Goose Creek, SC; Many great nieces and nephews; Longtime friend, Eleanor Grace Henshaw Ovca, New Smyrna Beach. Service: A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 10:00am at The First Baptist Church of Oak Hill, 192 East Halifax Avenue, Oak Hill. Burial at Edgewater New Smyrna Cemetery will follow. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Baldwin Brothers Heritage Chapel, 1 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 89, in Oak Hill.

Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on March 11, 2012