Frances Sterling

Posted: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 3:03 pm

The Messenger, May 25, 2011
Frances (McGee) Sterling, 83, of Johnson City, formerly of Union City, passed away May 19, 2011, at NHC Health Care in Johnson City.
The family will receive friends Friday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at White-Ranson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at East View Cemetery and will include immediate family only. Pallbearers will be family members.
The family requests that donations be made to Union City First United Methodist Church or the American Diabetes Association.
Mrs. Sterling was born in Screven County, Ga., May 7, 1928. She spent her youth in Savannah, Ga., where she met and married W.W. Sterling of Obion County. The two made their home in Union City, where they raised their family and were members of First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Sterling was involved in numerous civic and community organizations. In 1956, she was recognized for her service to the community by being named “Young Woman of the Year.” Also in 1957-59, Mrs. Sterling served as the president of the PTA State Congress and was a life member of the PTA.
Of all endeavors, Mrs. Sterling’s chief pleasure was being both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, which she did for over 15 years.
Mrs. Sterling was a long-time member of the Order of Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as regent for two terms of the Reelfoot Chapter.
After moving to Brentwood to live with her daughter, Mrs. Sterling attended Forest Hills Baptist Church and became a member of the Old Glory chapter of the DAR in Franklin.
Mrs. Sterling served as Obion County United Way secretary for 30 years. The last three years of her life were spent with her son and daughter-in-law, Victoria, in Johnson City, where she served as the president of the Residence Council at NHC.
She is remembered most by her children as being a loving mother who cared deeply for people and was always there with a helping hand for those in need.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Jayne (LaFont) Sterling of Pittsburgh and Kimball and Victoria Sterling of Johnson City; her daughter and son-in-law, Jill (Sterling) and Ron Howell of Brentwood; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby (Walker) and Little Kimball McGee.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.