FRANCES STURDAVANT

Frances Mason Straughan Sturdavant, 72, passed away peacefully in her home, Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

Frances was born in Charleston, WV to the late Joseph Marion Straughan and May Harman (Bartlett) Straughan. 

Frances graduated from JJ Kelly High School in Wise, VA and received her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Wesleyan University. She continued her education at the University of Chicago studying International Relations. She traveled to Israel and lived two years in a Kibbutz. Frances worked towards her Masters in Mandarin and even lived in Taipei for 3 years. She also auditioned to attend the Royal Academy of Arts School in London.

She met Dennis, her husband of 37 years, in Waimea, Hawaii where they lived for 12 years. Frances was active with the Kawaihae Canoe Club. They had two children and relocated to Rhode Island for work. Finally, she moved back to her family home in Wise, VA in 2012 to care for her mother, May.

She was a loving mother and wife. She loved gardening, reading, art, singing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved practicing Yoga and singing in the church choir. Frances was very involved in her community and was very proud of being a cradle to grave Episcopalian. No matter where she lived, she was a part of an Episcopal Church with All Saints Episcopal Church in Norton being her church home. She was a part of Garden club, Kiwanis Club of Wise, Study Club, and a Prayer Warrior. She also carried on the Straughan legacy of participating in the events at the University of Virgina at Wise.

Frances was preceded in death by her cousin Arthur James [Jay] Barlett and John Daniel Barlett.

Survivors left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dennis Sturdavant; sister, Anne Cadden (Stephen); brother, Thomas [Tommy] Straughan (Pam); son, Joesph Sturdavant (Stephanie); daughter, Elizabeth M. Taylor (Gerald); step-children, Doug Sturdavant (Heather), Dawn Ard (Chris); 10 grandchildren, Mercedes Heacock, Piercen Sturdavant, Averee Sturdavant, C.J. Sturdavant, Hazel Taylor, J.T. Taylor III, Logan Sturdavant, Kaladan Taylor, Lilyana Sturdavant, and Duncan Taylor; cousins, Carol Ann Bartlett and Deane Bartlett; niece, Rachel Colgin; nephews, Straughan Cadden, Steven Straughan, Holden Straughan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

“Go with God!”

Celebration of Life for Frances Sturdavant will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA with Rev. John L. Church Jr. officiating. Family will receive friends from 12:30 P.M. till time of services at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 277 Norton, VA 24273.

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.