McLachlan, Helen Francis McNair

Helen Francis McNair McLachlan, 93, of Pearisburg, Va., passed away on Monday, October 18, 2010. She was born in St. Louis, Mo., on July 10, 1917, to the late Charles Hicks and Katherine Sexton McNair, of Houston, Texas. Mrs. McLachlan was the granddaughter of the late Reverend James Whitten Sexton and Susan Rebecca Ball Sexton of Wytheville. She was the niece of the late Governor of Virginia, Lee Trinkle and Helen Sexton Trinkle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Argyle McLachlan; and by her sister, Katherine Norrell Sexton Lynch. Mrs. McLachlan is survived by her daughter, Dr. Katherine M. Rodgers, of Pearisburg; a granddaughter, Katherine Leigh Rodgers; and a great-granddaughter, Amanda Katherine Rodgers. She is survived by a niece, Susan Rebecca Lynch Bishop; three great-nieces and nephews; and seven greatgreat-nieces and nephews all of Houston. She also is survived by a special cousin, Emma Thorn Lively, of Pulaski. Mrs. McLachlan graduated from Rice University in 1937 and earned a Masters of Education from the University of Houston. She taught and was a school administrator for many years in Houston, Texas. She was an accomplished pianist and a clothing designer. She was a member of Lady Washington Chapter, DAR, of Houston, and of the Colonial Dames of America, 17th Century. The family is grateful to Dr. Syed Haider for his excellent and compassionate care and for the dignity he afforded her final years. There will be a graveside memorial service only. The service will be conducted by the Reverend Preston O. Sartelle at a later date. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Va., is in charge of arrangements.