Frances McClanahan Brockman

Frances Brockman passed away at her home at Steadman Hill on February 4, 2016. She was born December 23, 1927 in Newport, TN, the only child of George and Glennie McClanahan.

A lover of nature and animals, she majored in biology at Tusculum College. She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her classmates, especially her beloved husband, Dick, whom she met on a double date with her roommate. Fran and Dick were married shortly after graduation in 1949 and established their home in Kingsport, where he had been raised.

Busy years followed, raising four children and a move to Cincinnati for Dick's job. Although Fran had not been eager to leave Tennessee, she soon grew fond of her new city and made a number of lasting friends there. The couple returned to Kingsport after seven years and remained for the rest of their lives.

Fran found pleasure in travel, cooking, reading, music and gardening, with a special talent for creating beautiful flowerbeds from tiny cuttings. She was happiest, however, spending time with her children and extended family. Her easy laugh, outgoing personality and continual interest in learning made her a ready companion for bridge, travel and theater.

In addition, she was an active member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, the Greer Memorial Sunday School Class, United Methodist Women, and multiple choirs. She also participated in numerous local clubs and civic organizations, including the Kingsport Garden Club and Kingsport Music Club.

Fran's strong faith and equally strong will helped her remain independent for most of her life. When heart disease and memory loss began taking their toll, she moved to Baysmont and later to Steadman Hill as her illness progressed. She was happiest among family and friends, demonstrating grace in accepting her limitations and perseverance in taking each day as it came.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, and is survived by her four children and their spouses: Dr. George Brockman and wife Shona of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; Joyce McElwaine and husband Ned of Roanoke, Va.; Cheryl Wyker and husband Dr. Arthur (Bud) of Kingsport; and Allen Brockman and wife Jenni of Saluda, Va. She also leaves behind five grandsons and two great-grandsons: Bryan Wyker, wife Marshall and son Townsend; Patrick McElwaine, wife Allyson and son Malachi; Austin Wyker; Ross Brockman and Scott Brockman.

The family thanks Dr. Robert Funke and the staff of Steadman Hill for helping to maintain Fran's quality of life through her final years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20th at 1:00 pm at First Broad St. United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Green and The Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. A private family burial will be conducted in Oak Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Fran's memory, please consider making a gift to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660, Tusculum College, CEDE, P.O. Box 5040, Greeneville, TN 37743, or the Lions Volunteer Blind Industries , 119 S. High St. Morristown, TN 37813.

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