Frances S. Nicholson

Frances Scott McElwee Nicholson
Statesville
Frances Scott McElwee Nicholson died at Gordon Hospice House on Saturday, May 21, 2011, having lived a long and loving life. She was predeceased by her parents: John and Annabell Scott, her brothers: Ed and John Scott and her beloved husbands: Nathan O'Berry McElwee and Dr. John Harvey Nicholson, II.
Frances was a life-time member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as elder and volunteered in many capacities. Her life was lived loving her family, her church and her friends and she was generous in all regards. She cherished her long and dear friendships with so many and found great joy in surprising others with thoughtful remembrances. She encouraged those around her in life and had a smile that could warm you inside out and a laugh that delighted all around her.
Frances had a sharp mind and wit that brought humor and insight with everyone. She was a great student of many subjects and helped all her family appreciate and create beauty in their lives and in their homes. Reading and learning was a lifetime activity for her and you could always count on her to be up to date and ready for discussion on the activities of the world.
Her courage in facing the loss of loved ones and in her final years, the loss of her health was inspiring to those around her. Dignity and grace flowed from her, even in the most difficult situations. Her family will be forever thankful for the example she lived out for them.
She is survived by her four children and their families: Fred and Anne McElwee Herschler of Greensboro; Jack and Mary McElwee Clayton of Raleigh and their children, Zachary of Raleigh, John of Washington, DC and Will of Raleigh; Gary and Estelle McElwee Stinchcomb of Fairburn, GA and their children Matt and Jenny of Peachtree City, GA and Jon and Ali of Kenner,LA; Nate and Shelly McElwee and their children, Addie, Nathan and Briggs, all of Statesville.
She is also survived by her six stepchildren and their families: John H. and Corinne Nicholson, III of Wadesboro and their children, John H. Nicholson IV and Tori Dowell of Greensboro and Colin and Effie Nicholson Glover of Washington, DC; Bill and Mari Nicholson Earnhardt of Raleigh, and their children, Stewart and Anna Earnhardt McQueen of Charlotte, and Nancy Jane, William and Heyward of Raleigh; Tip Nicholson and Nancy Davis of Statesville and their children Will and Brittain Nicholson McKinney of Charlotte and Peggy of Charlottesville, VA; Richard and Brenda Nicholson of Rock Hill, SC and their children, Cora of Rock Hill and Griffin and Cathilee of Charlotte; Parker and Betty Jo Nicholson of Troutman and their children, Thomas and Katherine of Maiden, Ingram of Fayetteville and Callie of Troutman; Brent and Nancy Nicholson Bustle and their children Dewey, Alex, Henry and John all of Troutman; and nine great grandchildren.
Mrs. Nicholson graduated with honors from Woman's College in Greensboro in 1944. She was a treasured member of Les Amies, which was a group of 12 high school girls who have maintained their friendship over 70 years, and she was a member of the Colonial Dames.
Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday at the home of Nate and Shelly McElwee, 404 West End Avenue.
A private graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday at Oakwood Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church where Rev. Steve Scott will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 3247 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 or First Presbyterian Church, 125 North Meeting Street, Statesville, NC 28677. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. nicholsonfunerals.com.
The family extends special thanks to her caregivers from Sherri's In Home Care: Sherri Haithcox, Barbara Herman, Tracey Cornwell, Katie Clanton, Crystal Smith, and Debbie Hefner.
Nicholson Funeral Home of Statesville will be assisting the family.