Mary Frances “Fran” McLane Dawson passed away on Sunday June 5, 2022. She was born on January 29, 1939 in Washington, D.C. to mother, Lillie Ora Beasley McLane and father, Henry Earl McLane, Sr.

She spent most of her childhood living on a farm in Wagener, South Carolina. She had many vivid and happy memories of farm life and riding her pony, Ned. She and her family later moved to Alexandria, Virginia where she graduated from George Washington High School in 1956. Her professional career was with IBM and Grubb & Ellis in the Maryland area, serving in administrative positions.

In 2016, she moved to Williamsburg to join her family. She loved planting and tending flowers (she was an expert at growing African violets), feeding birds, ducks and providing treats for neighbors’ dogs. She enjoyed making beautiful silk flower wreaths and often generously gave them as gifts.

She is predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Henry Earl McLane, Jr. and John Edward McLane. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara “Bobbie” McLane; nieces, Debra Lynn Harvey, and Lisa Rutland (Blake); nephews, Dr. Shawn Creg McLane (Maryann), and John McLane (Barbie); and a special friend, Richard Reed.

The family is grateful to the staff and many residents of Verena for the warm friendship they extended to Fran while she was a resident there. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Three Rivers Convalescent Center, and Kindred Hospice.

Arrangements in care of Cremation Society of Virginia – Newport News Office.