Frances Baumgart

My family and I are so sad to share news of our mom, Frances Baumgart’s passing December 30, 2021. She exited our physical presence with dignity and with the assurance that she is loved greatly and that we all know how much she has loved all of her family and friends. She is survived by her four children: Susan Denise Baumgart Jones, Brenda Sue Gilbert, Mark Anthony Baumgart, Margaret Ann (Missi) Priest, In-laws Bill Jones, Ken Gilbert, Barbara Baumgart, Chris Priest; grand children Katherine Denise Gilbert, Brett Thomas Baumgart( Brett’s wife Cris), Alexander Christian Priest, and Chad Allen Baumgart. In 1970, Mom and Dad (Frances and Charles, aka Fran and Chuck) moved the family to Fort Lauderdale from California to start a new life together after more than 22 years of Air Force living. When I was nine years old both my parents started college. Dad took advantage of a military program allowing those in the armed forces to pursue their education. Dad finished through a Masters Degree in History before departing (retiring) the Air Force when I was 16. Mom completed her AA degree while raising 4 children and pursuing her career as a pre-school teacher/supervisor simultaneously. All while Dad worked and completed his degrees. After moving to Fort Lauderdale, Dad started teaching History at Stranahan High School where all my siblings and I graduated. Mom stopped working and continued her education, graduating with her undergraduate degree June 13, 1972, the same date as my high school graduation. She went on to finish her Master’s degree and a Specialist degree from Florida Atlantic University.Mom started teaching first grade in 1972. She absolutely loved teaching first grade because she loved introducing young children to the world of reading. Mom came by her love of teaching through her mother, Margaret T. Smith who taught in a one room school house until she married in the early 1920’s. Mom, the seventh of eight siblings was also inspired by her oldest sister, Margaret L. Smith who, like her mother, started teaching in a one room school at Indian Pass not far from their home in Port St. Joe. Aunt Margaret moved to Fort Lauderdale early in her teaching career and, by the time our family joined her there, had become the youngest Elementary School Principal in Broward County Schools. She opened Bayview Elementary school and was principal there until her retirement in the mid 1970’s. A point of personal privilege, I will tell you that Aunt Margaret and my parents inspired me to become a teacher. It is my hope that my 39.5 years as a math teacher, curriculum writer for computer education, and as a high School Assistant Principal were a positive influence on children as I know my aunt and parents had on children. The several decades that followed the move to Fort Lauderdale were very full. The years were filled with raising 4 kids; putting all through college; seeing us each flourish in our career choices; going to all the games of the infamous ‘72 Dolphins; flourishing in their own careers becoming leaders in their fields; welcoming the continued growth of their family with the addition of sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and MOST preciously 4 healthy, happy and loving grandchildren. Mom and Dad also made sure we formed close ties to our aunts, uncles and cousins through at least 2 decades of summer family reunions in Port St. Joe where my mom grew up and my parents met. Funny story; Dad was stationed at Tyndall AFB and Mom was a junior at Port St. Joe HS when they met. It was at a Junior/Senior prom that they both dumped their dates when they met that evening. Their subsequent 60+ years are a testament to the great love they shared. In the years prior to their retirement they bought property on a beautiful canal/creek corner lot in Okeechobee. They built a home in the 1980’s, which mom and dad designed together and where they retired there in the mid 1990’s. Dad loved to fish and watch the wonderful wildlife. They became very active at Peace Lutheran Church. We spent many joyous family holidays at that home. The grandkids loved being with grandmama and grandpapa, especially at Christmas which mom and dad made magical and hilariously fun. My Babyist sister Missi (Margaret Ann) and her very loving, supportive husband Chris moved to Okeechobe to be near Mom and Dad in their very senior years. Dad passed away in January, 2018. After 2 years living alone mom needed to leave the home they built together. Hard as it was, I witnessed Mom go through the house full of memories and 30 years of saved minutia. With love and great determination she bravely said goodbye to these “things” and together with Missi and Chris bought a home in Avon Park where Chris had started teaching art at the high school. Mom’s life with Dad started with a promise of adventure which, as a young woman, she craved. They spent the rest of their lives living one adventure after another together. This one last adventure she did without him, but with the love and support of Missi, Chris and the whole family. She was loved and respected everywhere her life touched because she openly respected and shared her love with everyone. She grew up in a loving Christian home with seven siblings. She shared her love of God by sharing that love. When she passed, she was prepared and content in her love of God, family and friends. It is with great JOY that I share these memories for My mother and my father Denise Baumgart Jones No Flowers please. If you wish to, you may contribute a memorial in mom’s name to: (Delta Kappa Gamma, State Scholarship Fund, Attention Beverly Stagg 7407 Lillie Lane Pensacola, FL 32526) A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. under the pavilion at Holly Hill Cemetery in Port St. Joe, Florida. Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.