Helen Francis McNair McLachlan

Helen M. McLachlan Helen Francis McNair McLachlan, 93, of Pearisburg died Monday, Oct. 18, 2010. A memorial graveside service will be held later with the Rev. Preston O. Sartelle officiating. She was born July 10, 1917, in St. Louis, Mo., daughter of the late Charles Hicks and Katherine Sexton McNair of Houston, Texas. She was the granddaughter of the late Rev. James Witten Sexton and the late Susan Rebecca Ball Sexton of Wytheville. She was the niece of the late Governor of Virginia E. Lee Trinkle and the late Helen Sexton Trinkle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Argyle McLachlan; and a sister, Katherine Norrell Sexton Lynch. She graduated from Rice University in 1937 and earned a master of education degree from the University of Houston. She taught and was a school administrator for many years in Houston, Texas. She was an accomplished pianist and a clothing designer. She was a member of Lady Washington Chapter, DAR of Houston and the Colonial Dames of America, 17th Century. Survivors include a daughter, Dr. Katherine M. Rodgers of Pearisburg; a granddaughter, Katherine Leigh Rodgers of Houston, Texas; a great-granddaughter, Amanda Katherine Rodgers of Houston, Texas; a niece, Susan Rebecca Lynch Bishop of Houston, Texas; three great-nieces and great-nephews, all of Houston, Texas; seven great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, all of Houston, Texas; and a special cousin, Emma Thorn Lively of Pulaski. The family is grateful to Dr. Syed Haider for his excellent and compassionate care and for the dignity he afforded her final years. Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.