Frances Frizella Redmond's Obituary
Frances Frizella Redmond, lovingly known to many as “Mommy,” “Ma,” “NaeNae,” “Precious,” “Franny,” and affectionately remembered as “Sugar Smacks,” was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 5, 1940. She was 85 years young when she peacefully went home to be with the Lord on December 6, 2025.
Frances lived a life marked by faith, service, and unwavering love for her family and community.
A woman of dedication and excellence, Frances was enrolled in the final graduating class of the Clara Barton School of Nursing, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) credentials. Beginning her nursing career at just 19 years old, she devoted 36 years of compassionate service as a NICU nurse at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, New York, faithfully caring for the most vulnerable lives until her retirement in 1995 at age 55. Her expertise and leadership were instrumental in assisting with the redesign of the NICU unit, and she was honored with the responsibility of writing the NICU manual—a testament to her knowledge, commitment, and respect among her peers.
Frances was a faithful servant of God. She was a devoted member of Berean Missionary Baptist Church for 20 years, where she joyfully served as part of the Cathedral Choir. Her life reflected the Scripture she lived by:
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33.
After retiring, Frances relocated to Florida in 1995. She became well known and dearly loved in her community as the “Waving Crossing Guard,” a role that earned her a feature in the Daytona News Journal. She continued her service working with Volusia and Flagler Counties from 1996 to 2000. Later, she became a founding member of Unity Fellowship, where she was recognized for 25 years of faithful attendance and worship and was lovingly honored with the title of Mother of the Church.
Frances was loyal, strong, and wonderfully real. She loved sewing, traveling, baking, gardening, landscaping, and tackling DIY projects with joy and determination. Above all, she loved her family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—fiercely and without condition.
She is survived by her beloved daughters, Tonya S. Gray and Tracy C. Griffin; her son-in-law, Michael Gray; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher F. Covington and Shermain A.K. Evans; and her adored great-grandchildren, Mekiah L. Covington and Serenity-Faith N. Covington.
Those who knew Frances will forever remember her transparency, her honesty, and her deep love. She often reminded us that she didn’t “cut teeth or bat her eyes,” and that whatever we faced, we should “give it to God.” Her wisdom, strength, and faith will continue to guide those she leaves behind.
As we now lay her to rest, we hold fast to her teachings and the promise she lived by:
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20.
You will be missed beyond measure, but your love and legacy will live on forever in our hearts.
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