Gene Frances Howard Canova

Gene Frances Howard Canova, age 90, a long-time resident of New Smyrna Beach, died peacefully on November 26, 2021, at a memory care facility in Ocala, FL.  She was a remarkable woman with a vibrant personality and an unshakable faith in God.

Fran was born and raised in Pineville, LA. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics from Louisiana College. After graduation, she felt God calling her to do work in His Service. She responded by enrolling at the New Orleans Baptist Seminary where she received a Masters Degree in Religious Education and met Reverend Sayer Joseph Canova, the love of her life.

Fran was a woman who exemplified unconditional love as she served in all the capacities of a Pastor’s wife, raised four children and for a short time a stepson. She was a member of several clubs including the Oceanside Woman’s Club, Red Hat Ladies, an investment club, Mission groups and the Pine Island Ladies. She worked outside the home as a teacher and real estate agent.  She was very active in her church, teaching Sunday School, serving on committees and supporting her church in any way possible.  Her faithfulness to God remained steadfast as she persevered through the deaths of her parents, her husband of 41 years, a 35 year old daughter and a 23 year old grandson. Fran is survived by her sister, three sons and their wives, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, 406 S. Orange Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, with Pastor Luke McKinney officiating. Entombment will take place immediately following the service at the Edgewater/New Smyrna Cemetery, 700 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Edgewater, FL 32132. Friends will be received between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the Settle-Wilder Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, Fran requests you invite someone to go to church.

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