Reverend Frances Jean McCoy
April 18, 1943 ~ December 11, 2021
How to sum up a life? Reverend Frances Jean McCoy was born in Connelleville, PA in 1943, but she grew up in Philippi, WV and eventually returned here after moving around to various countries and states. She died Saturday December 11, 2021 while residing in Philippi. She was a daughter to Francis and Barbara McCoy, a sister to John “Pat” McCoy, and an aunt to Vick-Lee and Scott Charles. She found her calling as a Pastor in the Episcopal Church. She was currently as St. Michael Episcopal Church in Kingwood. As a Pastor she wrote thoughtful sermons, officiated at weddings and baptisms, blessed the dead on their journey and consoled the grieving. She explored the world as a traveler. Her last rip with several of her friends was a cruise to the splendid fjords of Norway. She rescued many dogs and cared for them (and they for her) over her life. She read extensively. She was an avid bridge player, enjoying the challenge of maximizing the hands dealt to her. She sewed her clothes and made quilts, taking joy in the textures and colors of the fabrics. This list still doesn’t sum up the wisdom, care and love she had for her friends, her family, for the world. She was greatly loved and she is missed.
A celebration of life will be held at Crim Memorial United Methodist Church 200 Pike St. Philippi, on Saturday April 30, at 11 am with Bishop Michael Klusmeyer officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Friends of Barbour County PO Box 452 Philippi, WV 26416, or Philippi Public Library 91 South Main St. Philippi, WV 26416
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Over many years that I have been the director of the Philippi Public Library, Fran was on my board. During those years, she was our President, Vice President, our Secretary, or trustee. I truly missed her being on my board but accepted her decision and understood. She was always supportive, helpful, and kind. Aside from that, she was my friend. Last night I reached into one of my Christmas boxes and pulled out the quilted snowman pillow that she made for me a couple years ago. She knew I loved snowmen and books and always gave something that she knew I'd love. I treasure each and every thing she gave me, even more so now. She was such a good person and will be sadly missed. I'll always miss her.
Fran was my gentle guide to the special qualities of life in SW Virginia. I’m forever thankful for her wisdom & humor.
Fran was such a wonderful friend. Not only a friend, but a teacher, fellow minister and wonderful mentor and Shepherd. I will miss sitting with her, sharing a drink talking and laughing. Look forward to seeing you Fran! Make sure you tell them that it’s OK to let me through the pearly gates. Love and prayers
Fr. Douglas Cunningham
I received the notice of Fran’s April 30th funeral in the mail this past weekend. We last talked via phone a few weeks before her death. I have known Fran since 1990, when we both arrived on the scene in Wise Co., VA – she in Norton as the new Episcopal Priest, and I in Wise as the new United Methodist campus minister. Her friendship during those years was a real gift to me, and when I decided to leave the UMC denomination and move to the Episcopal Church, it was Fran who sponsored me for the priesthood discernment process, along with her parishes in Norton and St. Paul, VA. She was a faithful, hard working minister who understood rural, small-church ministry; one of the most intelligent people I have known; and always a valued and supportive friend. I think of her often, and I know many are saddened by her death, but also relieved that she no longer is suffering from ill health and the limitations that came with it. She would laugh at the idea that I count her as one of the saints of the church, but be secretly pleased that I held her such esteem. When I pray Psalm 27, I always think of her. At one period in her life, it was praying those ancient words that got her through a difficult time. May Fran rest in peace, and rise in glory.