Frances N. Rawlings

Frances Nash Rawlings, known as Fran to friends and family, died in Virginia Beach on June 23, 2024, just 3 days short of her 99th birthday.
Fran was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC, on June 26, 1925, to Marie McCullen Nash and George Harold Nash. She grew up as the middle child with 2 brothers, Nicki and George, and 2 sisters, Ann and Mamie, who all preceded her in death.
Fran grew up as a southern girl in the small towns of Weldon and Roanoke Rapids, NC. She graduated from Weldon High School. On a blind date at the United States Naval Academy, she met her future husband Frank Truman Rawlings, Jr. She was destined to become a Navy wife. After 62 years of marriage, her Husband, Capt. Frank T. Rawlings, Jr. USN, Ret., died in October 2005.
Fran spent her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many. In her career as a Navy wife, she moved over 18 times, supporting her husband, and establishing a welcoming home. After her husband's retirement from active duty, they made Virginia Beach their home where she continued her many volunteer activities just as she had done at their various duty stations over the years. These included Meals on Wheels, Pink Lady at Sentara Leigh, knitting for Navy Relief, and serving as President of the Retired Naval Officers Wives Club (ROWS). She loved football watching the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, and Phil Mickelson play golf. A life-long Episcopalian, she lived her life in service to others.
Fran is survived by her 2 daughters, Trudy Adams of Fort Myers, FL, and Linda Sawyer (The Rev. Dr. Stanley Sawyer) of Virginia Beach. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren, Michele (Fred), Brian, James (Paula), Truman (Evan), Chris (Ryan), and Ryan (Carrie), and 13 great grandchildren.
The family would like to say thank you to the staff of Arden Court ProMedica Memory Care Community for their support and care of Fran over the last 10 plus years.
Following a private burial service for the family, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 1969 Woodside Lane, Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All Saints' Episcopal Church.