All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Franklin Evans Smith

Frank Smith, 87, died peacefully at his home in Rock Cave following a brief illness. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and lived most of his adult life in the Washington D.C./Baltimore, Maryland area, where he enjoyed a 30-year career as an associate professor at Howard University’s College of Fine Arts (now the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts). After retiring from the university, he and his wife, who is also an artist, relocated to Rock Cave in 2008.

Mr. Smith dedicated his life to art. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Illinois and a Master of Fine Arts degree in the discipline of experimental studio from Howard University. His paintings and multimedia works have been exhibited at galleries and museums throughout the U.S. and in numerous countries, including Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Mali, Gabon, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. His works are included in two collections at the Smithsonian Institution.

Mr. Smith enjoyed the company of friends and family. For many years, he was known to keep an open door at his home, where friends could arrive unannounced and enjoy food, drink, and a good time with his family. He conscientiously stayed in touch with those who were far away through his well-thought letters. With friends, often fellow artists, he enjoyed listening to jazz music—both live and recorded, spirited conversations, spending time at his studio, and fishing. He cherished large gatherings with extended family, as well as quiet times on a more intimate scale with his wife, brother, children, and grandchildren.

His life and legacy will be cherished by a host of family, friends, and even former students who continued to call him decades after graduation. Surviving are his wife Arneta Lee of Rock Cave; brother Warren Smith (Debby) of New York, NY; daughters Kim Campbell (Frank) of Chicago, IL, Lisa Penelton of Chicago, IL, and Toby Smith of Los Angeles, CA; son Christopher Lampkin (Beth) of Seattle, WA; stepson Laco Johnson of Newport News, VA; and grandchildren Franklin and Julian Campbell of Chicago, Lark Smith Drawhorn of Los Angeles, and Bryce and Alex Graves of Seattle. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothea Amelia Derrick Smith and Warren Ingle Smith.

A celebration of his life, to be held in Washington, D.C., is planned for a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

River Fest returns in August with free food, live music and paddling for the whole community

River Fest will return August 23 with free food, live music, beginner kayaking, and community activities for all ages, aiming to attract 200 attendees and celebrate the Buckhannon River in memory of its founder, April Keating.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: June 30 – July 4, 2025

Buckhannon has announced upcoming public meetings, July 4th holiday closures, a community celebration and fireworks, yard waste collection dates, and information on utility payments and city service requests available online.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 3, 2025.

Deloris Y. Jack

Deloris Jack, 91, a homemaker and Lifetime Member of the Upshur County E.M.S., passed away June 28, 2025, leaving behind her son, sister, extended family, and a legacy of community service.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Director of Nursing earns Nurse Executive Board certification

Karla Tucker, Director of Nursing at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned the prestigious Nurse Executive-Board Certified credential, reflecting her leadership and commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care.

WVWC’s new director of technical theatre finds passion in set design

Boyd Wolz, an experienced set designer and educator with credits in theatre, film, and television, has been appointed as West Virginia Wesleyan College’s new director of technical theatre.

Upshur County Public Library awarded $20K AARP grant to launch digital literacy classes for older adults

The Upshur County Public Library has received a $20,000 AARP grant to offer free digital literacy classes for adults 50 and older, providing computer skills training both at the library and via a mobile classroom.

Barbara Ann Dawson

Barbara Ann Dawson, 85, a longtime French Creek Elementary reading aide and active church and Eastern Star member, died June 27 at home, survived by her three sons, grandchildren, and many loved ones.

Upshur County Commission Special Meeting Agenda: July 1, 2025

The Upshur County Commission has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 1, 2025.

Upshur County Trails system hosts Mountaineer Mile hike this month

A group of local residents gathered this month to hike a Mountaineer Mile at the Upshur County Trails. Governor Patrick Morrissey launched the Mountaineer Mile initiative to encourage West Virginians to walk at least one mile daily as part of a broader campaign to improve the state’s health and well-being.

Buckhannon’s Independence Day bash promises inflatables, live music and fireworks on July 4

Buckhannon will host its annual Independence Day Festival Friday celebration on July 4, featuring live music, twirling performances, inflatables and a rock-climbing wall at Jawbone Park, followed by fireworks at dark.

Youth football camp a success as Baisden uses summer flex days to improve Bucs

Over 50 young athletes participated in Buckhannon-Upshur High School’s annual youth football camp, led by head coach Sloan Baisden, as part of summer efforts to build team spirit and prepare for the upcoming season.