DACULA, Ga. — Richard Wernick and Vicki Parker presented a check to
Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries on behalf of the estate of John and Frances Smith on Tuesday. The Smiths, longtime members of
First Baptist Alpharetta, bequeathed the organization $40,000 to support its mission of providing caring homes for children and families across Georgia who come from difficult and traumatic circumstances.
Wernick, who along with Parker is a co-executor of the estate, said the Smiths had been members of FBC Alpharetta for more than 65 years, since shortly after they were married while still in their teens. Frances passed away 7 years ago, while John died in 2020.
Brian Hawkins, president and CEO of Georgia Baptist Children's Homes, accepted the check for the ministry. “We are so grateful for our donors who support our ministry faithfully," Hawkins said, "and we are especially honored to receive this estate gift from the Smith Family. We admire their willingness to provide support for the children in our care today, and into the future through planned giving.”
"John and Frances Smith served their Lord and church faithfully for so many years," said W. Thomas Hammond, Jr., executive director of the
Georgia Baptist Mission Board. "They were an example for all of us to learn from in their living and dying."
