Remembering our dear members

Garland, Frances Vaughan

Memorial Service

January 15th, 2016
11:00 AM
Greene Memorial United Methodist Church

Viewing: Oakey’s Downtown Chapel
January 14th, 2016
6:00 – 8:00 PM

Frances Vaughan Garland of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at the age of 91. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Robert Allen (Bob) Garland, who served many years on Roanoke City Council and also was Vice Mayor; sister, Lucy Vaughan Redick (Jack); son, Robert Allen Garland (Hallie); daughters, Rebecca Jane Garland (Jody Fleming), Anita Holmes Garland, and Teresa Ann Garland; brother-in-law, Ray Lucian Garland (Janie); four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Frances’ other sister, Elizabeth Vaughan Pritchett, passed away on 2014.A homemaker when her husband, Bob, first ran for Roanoke City Council in 1962, Frances became a very active volunteer in political organizations and campaigns and quickly rose to leadership positions. She joined the local Roanoke Republican Women’s Club and was twice its president. In 1972, she became the president of the statewide Virginia Federation of Republican Women (VFRW), serving four years in that position and on the board of the National Federation of Republican Women. Frances was also a long-time member of the Republican Party of Virginia’s State Central Committee, one of the first women named to the committee in modern times from the Sixth Congressional District. She also worked many years as a Republican precinct chairman in Roanoke City. Frances was selected as an Alternate Delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1976 and as a Presidential Elector in 1992. In later years, she served on the Roanoke City Electoral Board.Though Frances was known for lovely receptions that she hosted at her home for organizations and candidates, and for making delicious ham biscuits – while always being willing to stuff envelopes and go door-to-door canvassing for a candidate – she also significantly elevated the role and perceptions of women in politics in Virginia. She brought her supreme organizational skills and professionalism to her work with the Republican women’s groups. The VFRW was honored by the Republican Party of Virginia at a 1987 dinner, and it was said of Frances’ service, ‘During her term as President, Mrs. Garland made substantial changes in the quality of service provided the GOP by the Federation, and the way in which the Federation was viewed by the rest of the party. She put the Federation on a permanent working basis with regular board meetings and made the organization respected and united as a group.”Frances also continued other community volunteer activities. She taught Sunday school for more the 30 years at Raleigh Court United Methodist Church, delighting many three and four year olds with her gentle and loving manner and soft rendition of “Jesus Loves Me.” In 1966 she was Heart Mother, and through the years helped with fund-raising solicitations for other organizations as well. She was active in the PTA, the Roanoke Junior Women’s Club, the Roanoke Women’s Club, and the Wesleyan Service Guild. In 1973, she was appointed by Virginia Governor Linwood Holton to the Virginia Commission on the Status of Women, serving for a total of eight years following reappointments by Governors Mills Godwin and John Dalton. Frances was named “Mother of the Year” for Community Affairs in Roanoke in 1974.She also found time to maintain a wonderful home for her family, cook, sew, host birthday parties, plant flowers in the yard, shuttle children to music lessons, and play bridge.It was in the mid-1970s when Frances and Bob hosted perhaps the most notable visitor to their home. With a very short notice only that morning, while Frances was washing windows and had the dining room drapes down, Ray Garland called and asked that she please prepare lunch for John Warner and his guest, Elizabeth Taylor. Frances, with assistance from her good friend, Mamie Vest, did so beautifully.Frances was the first recipient of the “John N. Dalton Distinguished Service Award,” given to her at the 1988 Virginia Republican State Convention in recognition of her many years of service. In presenting the award to Frances, former Congressman M. Caldwell Butler stated, “We remember her for all the things she has done and all the offices she has held; but we admire her most for her great talent, and for her charm, patience and quiet dignity with which she has gone about her tasks.”Upon her selection as Roanoke’s Mother of the Year for Community Affairs, Roanoke Times staff writer Rome Scott said Frances noted, “I’ve always thought of myself as a housewife—the other things have come along secondarily.” Scott wrote that Frances’ only real goal was to be a successful mother.Born in Nottoway County, Va., Frances Rebecca Vaughan was the daughter of the late Holmes Arthur Vaughan and the late Sarah Carr Vaughan, and grew up on a dairy farm. After completing high school, she attended Pan American Business School in Richmond, living in a boarding house on Monument Avenue where she first met another boarder, Bob Garland. The plug in the bathtub of the girl’s dorm had a problem and Bob offered assistance. They married in 1943.The Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2016, at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in Roanoke. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. Family members will receive visitors on Thursday, January 14, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel, Downtown Roanoke. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert A. and Frances V. Garland Scholarship at Hampden-Sydney College, P.O. Box 637, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.oakeys.com.The family gratefully recognizes Jeff Corker and Jay Evans for their many years of assistance, long-time caregiver, Deborah Kesler, as well as Julia Barker, Sophia Duff, and Marie Jones.

Mark Coles

Celebration of Life

January 16th, 2016
2:00 PM

Brambleton Deli

Mark Coles, an accomplished CPA and life-long resident of Roanoke, Va., died suddenly in the early morning hours of Monday, January 11, 2016, at the age of 61 along with his two kittens, Gracie and George.Mark is survived by his parents, Skeezix and Margaret Coles; his daughter, Taler; stepdaughter, Casey; sisters, Kendra and Carol; and his brothers, Jay and Sam. Mark had countless other family and friends that he considered to be the best of the best.Mark was born in Roanoke, Va., on August 15, 1954. After graduating from Patrick Henry High School, Mark went on to Elon University and received his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He owned a successful tax service and was currently employed by Carilion.Mark was a devoted father, son, brother and friend. He loved music and attending local venues and music festivals. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and hanging out with family and friends. He was a dedicated Hokies fan. The love that he had in his heart was genuine and his beautiful spirit will live on with others. The people that he touched will be forever grateful to have known and been a part of his life. He lived in the moment and enjoyed every day like it was his last. His sense of humor and his smile were contagious. ALOHA! FAREWELL!! GO HOKIES! PEACE OUT!Everyone is invited to attend a celebration of his life at the Brambleton Deli at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2016. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to Mark’s favorite organization, the World Wildlife Fund.The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to the Firefighters and Police Department for all their efforts.