Frances Beatrice (McClure) Mullen

Frances Beatrice McClure Mullen, 100, peacefully entered her eternal heavenly home on Saturday morning, April 20, 2024, surrounded by family.

Frances was born on February 24, 1924, in St George, SC, to Mattie Lou George McClure and Edward William McClure. The family soon moved to Sumter, SC, where Frances lived until she married.

She was the youngest of five daughters.  She and her sisters, Virginia, Rosalie, Carrie Lou, and Alma were best friends throughout their lives.  Frances and her sisters, as well as all their children and grandchildren, loved reminiscing about their many, often dangerous, adventures growing up on the family’s farm.

During World War II, Frances worked at Sumter’s Shaw Field Air Force Base, where she met her husband, John, who was stationed there.  They were married on September 14, 1946 and enjoyed 67 years of married life together.  They lived in Richmond, VA, John’s hometown; Washington, NC;  Greenville, SC, where they raised their four children; and  Hilton Head. After retirement, they moved back to Greenville to enjoy their young grandchildren; then moved back again to Hilton Head.

Before her retirement, Frances worked as administrative assistant to Hilton Head’s first three mayors.

Frances was an extremely kind, caring, beautiful Southern lady.  Her deep love for her Lord and for her family; her compassion;  her willingness to share everything, including the wealth of knowledge she’d gleamed throughout her many years, endeared her to all who knew her.  She taught her children and grandchildren to always be honest; to never speak unkindly to or about anyone; to always try to do their best.  She was a lifelong Southern Baptist, who loved to share her faith.  As a Master Gardener, Frances loved working in her gardens.  She was a talented, budding artist, a trait several of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have inherited.

Frances is survived by daughters , Myra Eskew and Mary Mullen;  sons, John Mullen and George Mullen; daughter in law, Carmen Tevis Mullen; sons in law, Jerry Eskew and Mike Brase;  grandchildren, Fran Eskew; David Eskew (Mary); Lauren Mullen Thomas ( Tyler); Chip Mullen; Toria Mullen; and Tevi Mullen; great grandchildren, Anna Frances Eskew; Turner Eskew; Wells Eskew; Eva Thomas; Margot Thomas.

Frances was predeceased by her husband, John Weymouth Mullen, who entered Heaven on May 6, 2014.

The family wishes to thank Gwynn Blathers, who has lovingly been such a wonderful friend, companion, and caregiver to Frances for the past 10 years.  We love you, Gwynn! 

Frances’s service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11:00 am at North Island Baptist Church, 3800 Main Street, Hilton Head Island .  Following visitation at the church, the family will have a private moment at the Beaufort National Cemetery before interment.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances Beatrice (McClure) Mullen, please visit our floral store.