Frances G. McLaughlin

October 9, 1955 - November 20, 2019

Mrs. Frances G. “Fran” McLaughlin, age 64 years, a former resident of Elkins and a resident of Marlinton, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at her home. She was born October 9, 1955 at Dry Fork, the daughter of the late Snowden L. Vance, Jr. and the late Virginia Elza Vance. She was married to Lonnie Preston McLaughlin who survives in Marlinton. Also surviving is one son, Michael “Mike” Shannon and wife Tracy of Sanford, FL and one daughter, Christina Harris and husband Scott of Elkins. Two brothers, Douglas J. Vance and wife Gloria of Fishers, Indiana and Gregory R. Vance and wife Linda of Weston. Grandchildren, Kayla and Andrew Harris, Jessica Shannon and Alexis Gross and husband Ray and one great grandchild, Finley Gross. Two uncles, Hollis Vance and wife Adrienne of Elkins and John Elza of Whitmer and aunt Sandra Judy and husband Dwyer of Whitmer. Also surviving are several cousins. Mrs. McLaughlin was a teacher and principal for 36 years, following in the footsteps of her father, Mr. Snowden L. Vance, Jr. Mrs. McLaughlin began her teaching career with the 1st grade students at Norton-Coalton Elementary School for 3 years before moving to North Elementary School to teach 3rd grade. While at North Elementary School, she taught under her father, Mr. Vance, principal. The bulk of Mrs. McLaughlin’s teaching career was spent at Jennings Randolph Elementary School, where she taught for a total of 23 years in grades 1-5. While at JRES, Mrs. McLaughlin was chosen as Title I Teacher of the Year. Mrs. McLaughlin had long dreamt of becoming an administrator and after her first 19 years at JRES, left Randolph County to pursue this dream as principal of Marlinton Middle School in Pocahontas County. After 3 years as principal, she returned to Randolph County, to the classroom and “her kids,” the students she loved and missed. Mrs. McLaughlin continued her career in this county at Tygart Valley Middle High School, another 4 years at Jennings Randolph Elementary School and 3 years at Midland Elementary School. Mrs. McLaughlin then decided to return to being an administrator and completed her distinguished career as principal of George Ward Elementary School for 3 years. During her time as an educator, Mrs. McLaughlin served as Faculty Senate President, Mentor Teacher, Cooperating Student - Teacher Supervisor, PTA member, program coordinator and vice-president, Field Trip planner and coordinator, Social Studies Fair Coordinator, a member of our county’s Professional Advisory Council, Comprehensive Facilities Educational Plan, School Based Assistance Teams, Student Assistance Team, and presenter at Title 1 Regional and State Conferences. She also volunteered in the community in various aspects, including developing and maintaining a booklet for Randolph County teachers to use in conjunction with the Mountain State Forest Festival Kid’s Day. Mrs. McLaughlin had many accomplishments as an educator in Randolph County Schools. In addition to her being Jennings Randolph Elementary School Title I Teacher of the Year, she was also chosen as Midland Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2 years, and Randolph County Teacher of the Year for the 2010-2011 school year. In her speech as the Randolph County Teacher of the Year, Mrs. McLaughlin said, “Throughout my years of teaching I’ve worked in many terrific schools with outstanding teachers … It is our responsibility to serve as role models and leaders. But more than that, it is our responsibility to make a positive and lasting difference to our students.” She did just that, for 36 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Elkins. Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. On Sunday, November 24th, Mrs. McLaughlin will be moved to the Whitmer United Methodist Church for visitation from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm the funeral hour. Pastor Michael Lambert will officiate and interment will follow in the Laurel Hill Cemetery at Whitmer. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Frances G. “Fran” McLaughlin. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.