Frances Ann Holtzclaw Shuford

With a profound sense of loss, we remember Frances Ann Holtzclaw Shuford who passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in the comfort of her cherished childhood home in Hampton, Virginia, at the age of 77, with loved ones tenderly holding her hands.

Frances Ann leaves behind her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert F. Shuford, Sr.; daughter, Anne W. Shuford; son and daughter-in-law, Robert F. Shuford, Jr. and Lori E. Shuford; and grandchildren, Megan E. Shuford, Taylor C. Shuford, and Nicole C. Shuford.   Frances Ann is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy H. Schappert and H. Robert Schappert; niece, Susan S. Harper; and four great nieces and nephews. 

Frances Ann was born on July 5, 1938, to Nan M. Holtzclaw and Taylor S. Holtzclaw. She later graduated from Hampton High School in the class of 1956 and completed her Psychology degree at Westhampton College / University of Richmond in 1964.

Her children remember her as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. A dear friend to many, Frances Ann was described as the epitome of Southern charm, grit, and grace - likely ingrained by her own mother’s Mississippi roots which taught her the tenacity, patience, and perseverance that made her such an inspiration to all whose lives she touched.  

Frances Ann began a career with Harrison & Lear, later discovering her passion of working with children as a Kindergarten Teacher at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a Brownie Troup Leader, a Sunday School teacher at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a devoted Girl’s Select Soccer Team Mom, and the senior leader of Lt. Pascow Herbert Society of the patriotic youth organization, Children of the American Revolution.  She was also a leader in the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Frances Ann instilled the value of volunteer work to her children by example.  Her community projects were countless, many accomplished through her leadership in the Junior League of Hampton Roads where she remained a Sustainer until her death.  Her passions included the Harris Creek Garden Club, the Kecoughtan Literary Circle, the Altar Guild  of St. John’s Episcopal Church and later teaching craft classes at The Devonshire.

Perhaps one of her proudest moments was being appointed as a founding member of the City of Hampton Mayor’s Committee on the Handicapped, now known as the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities.  She worked tirelessly for the awareness of the urgent need for increased access to our physical world for mobility challenged individuals. Her courage and conviction made her an agent of change.

The entire Shuford family would like to offer their enduring gratitude to Keith and Melissa Smith, owners of HomeHelpers in downtown Hampton, for the effort, care, and loving dedication by staff members LaShawn, Darlene,  Senequa, Anna, and Arlenda, who ensured that Frances Ann did not count her days, but instead made every day count, with laughter, joy, and blessings.

The family will receive guests at R Hayden Smith Funeral Home 245 S. Armistead Ave from 5-7 pm, Friday, June 10.  A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 11, 2016 at St. Johns Episcopal Church by the Rev. Samantha Vincent-Alexander with interment to follow in St. John’s Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frances Ann’s life.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Central and Eastern Virginia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301, Glen Allen, VA 23060  or the St. John’s Cemetery Fund.