Frances Martin Mckee

Frances Martin McKee, age 84, of 200 Lillian Lane, Lynchburg, Virginia passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013, just 4 ½ months after the death of her husband of 62 years, John Brown McKee, Jr. Frances is survived by three sons, John (Jay) McKee, III and his wife Nancy, and Michael McKee and his wife, Bonnie, all of Forest, Virginia, David McKee and his wife, Charlotte of Blacksburg, Virginia, one daughter, Kathryne McKee Simpson and her husband, Bryan of Bristol, Tennessee and eight grandchildren, Abby McKee, Mandy McKee, Lauren McKee Falwell, Gregory Simpson, Scott McKee, Rebecca Simpson, Brooke McKee and Blake McKee. Frances was born in Lynchburg and was the only child of Edna Landrum and John Berkeley Martin.

 Music was always an important part of Frances\"™ life. She began singing and playing the piano at a young age, and went on to study music at E.C. Glass High School, James Madison College and Westminster Choir College. Frances served as Director of Music at Centenary Methodist Church, sharing her musical talents and loving spirit with children, youth and adults. She was a tireless leader within the church, planning and chaperoning numerous trips for the youth choir. Frances and John organized and hosted a young singles group in their home for several years. In addition, Frances worked as a teacher\"™s aide in the Lynchburg City Schools and served as a volunteer for Virginia Baptist Hospital and the American Cancer Society\"™s Reach to Recovery Program.

 Frances was a true southern lady possessing grace, class, and a quiet sense of humor even during the past several years when Alzheimer\"™s took its toll. She was a devoted caretaker to her husband John over the many years that he battled serious illnesses and she loved her sons, daughters and grandchildren with all her heart, enjoying nothing more than spending time with family.

 The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to Doctors David Cannon and John Halpin as well as the entire staff of Valley View Retirement Community and Heritage Green Assisted Living and Daybreak Memory Care.      

 A celebration of life for Frances will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Centenary United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Ecklund officiating. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service. Interment is private at Spring Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 1501 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503 or to the charity of your choice.

 Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting: obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.