Birth Date: 02/11/1948
Deceased Date: 01/17/2025
Frances La Vonne (nee Bingham) Mueller, 76, of Smithfield NC, daughter of James and Doris Bingham of Smithfield (both deceased), passed away at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield on January 17, 2025.
Frances was a 1966 graduate of Smithfield High School and graduate of Western Carolina University and George Mason University (GMU). Her early vocation was as a school teacher in NC. Later, she practiced as a construction scheduler, expediter and civil engineer on major highway and bridge projects for HNTB Corporation for clients such as the Disney Corporation in FL, the NJ Turnpike Authority in NJ and VDOT in Virginia. Studying at various engineering schools, she ultimately earned a BS in Civil Engineering at GMU, in Fairfax, VA.
Frances was a staunch women’s advocate and was active in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) serving as President of their Miami, FL chapter. During her 26 years as a resident of Alexandria, VA, Fran was active in women’s activities at Aldersgate Methodist Church to include organizing annual trips to the “Women of Faith” Conferences in Washington, DC.
She was also an officer in the local Hollin Hall Residents Association, an animal lover, an avid gardener and nature photographer and a prolific letter writer. Also, while living on a sailboat in Miami, Fran was an ardent sailor.
Frances is survived by a sister, Betty Bingham Toole, and her husband, Fred, of Smithfield; five nieces (Terry, Susan, Leslie, Christine and Meta) and three nephews (Tony, James and Butler}; predeceasing Frances are a sister, Carol, and a nephew, Michael. Also surviving is her partner of 33 years, Peter Imperiale of Smithfield.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Monday, January 27 at Sardis Baptist Church, 5444 Brogden Road, Smithfield, NC 27577. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service starting at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Smithfield.
