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- The Journal, Martinsburg, WV, 3 Jan 2020, Obituaries, Frances M. Gladwell
https://www.journal-news.net/obituaries/frances-m-gladwell/article_61ab3f54-1140-50a8-a2a9-3fe7d61d6a56.html
On the chilly afternoon of Dec. 28, 2019, with loved ones by her side, my mother quietly slipped up to glory.
The 6th of 7 children, she was born Frances Lee McClung in Rupert, West Virginia, on April 15, 1936. She experienced the usual milestones associated with growing up. As was the norm of her era, she graduated from high school, became a wife, homemaker and mother. It was during this point of her life that my mother, with quiet dignity and grace, became a woman ahead of her time. She divorced and became a single parent long before the term was commonplace. She earned a certification in the field of cosmetology and became an entreprenuer owning and operating Main Street Beauty Shop in Shepherdstown for some 25 years; during which time she not only raised her daughter but was the primary care giver for her own mother.
Retirement afforded my mother the time she deserved traveling back to visit with family and friends in her beloved West Virginia hills. Devoted to her great grandchildren, she spent countless hours not only helping with their care and education, but supported their special interests, including cheering them on at basketball games. "GG" as she was affectionately known, could spot a foul or call a walk before the ref could blow the whistle. An avid gardener, she took great satisfaction in being the first to pick a ripe tomato or cucumber. Her garden would be edged with Zinnias and Marigolds. An excellent cook, my mother delighted in Sunday family dinners and birthday celebrations. Her pork roast could not be duplicated no matter how many instructions she gave. A firm believer that charity began at home, she set a lifelong example by giving to us, not in monetary terms, but through her daily patience, wisdom and sacrifice.
Preceding her in death, are her parents, Jurl and Marguerite McClung and siblings, Everette, Janet, Gene, Neal, David and Byrne McClung.
Those who will strive to carry on her example of quiet grace are her daughter, Martha Elaine and favorite son-in-law, David Jordan; a grandson, Joshua, in whom she saw no wrong; her great grandchildren, Levi who hung the moon, and Olivia "Fernie Girl" who put the stars in place; and great-great grandson, Liam Alexander whose smile brought sunshine to the world.
Per her wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com
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1936 - 2019 (83 years)
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