Marian Frederick

Marian Barbour Frederick, 87, died on January 8, 2015, at the Arleigh Burke Pavilion, McLean, VA. She was born on March 12, 1927 in Pittsylvania County, VA, a daughter of the late Bruce James Barbour and Gracie Scearce Barbour. She grew up in Danville, VA, and graduated with honors from George Washington H.S. in 1945 and Averett College (now Averett University) in 1947. Upon graduation, she became secretary to Mary C. Fugate, Dean and Registrar. Marian was a charter member of the West Main Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. She loved to sew, sing, line dance, and play bridge. In 1955, Marian met and married John Howard Frederick of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They moved to San Antonio in conjunction with Dr. Frederick's military service. Her marriage ended in divorce in 1971. She was active in the Oak Hills Presbyterian Church and the San Antonio Mastersingers, an opera chorus. She appeared in the chorus behind such notable singers as Beverly Sills, Sherrill Milnes, Richard Tucker, and Placido Domingo. Between 1980 and 1993, Marian was the Medical Staff Coordinator at the Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, where her duties included compilation of physician credentials and hospital by-laws. She loved her work at the hospital. Upon her retirement, a number of doctors revealed they had nicknamed her "Mother Marian" for the many ways she had helped them. Survivors include three children: John Howard Frederick, Jr., of San Antonio, TX; David Charles Frederick, of McLean, VA; and Jane Elizabeth Frederick, of Cleveland Heights, OH; her brother Charles S. Barbour of West Point, VA; eight grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by one brother and three sisters: Jack Barbour, Clara Meadows, Doris Shinn, and Ruth Finch. Her greatest love in life was her family. Her ashes will be interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Danville next to her beloved sister Clara.