Margaret Francis Obituary

Margaret Elizabeth(Beth) Francis, 65 of Woodbridge, VA passed away peacefully on June 12, at her home, surrounded by family.

Beth was born on May 6, 1960, in Beckley, West Virginia, but grew up in Marion Virginia. She graduated from Marion Senior High School in 1978. She was the daughter of Don and Margaret Francis.

Beth was a graduate of The University of Mary Washington and received a masters degree from Hollins University. Beth worked for Valley Metro the Roanoke Transit System for 5 years before moving to northern Virginia where she was employed by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. She retired after 23 years as the Director of Marketing for the Fairfax Connector. Beth met and married Alicia McMahan in 2000 and their twin boys, Perry and Riley were born in 2005. She loved supporting Perry, Riley and Alicia’s musical pursuits; attending rehearsals and concerts and driving many miles to music lessons. Beth was musical as well, playing piano and clarinet, and was the accompanist for her church youth choir. She was even a D.J. in college, (which accounts for her knowledge of pop music lyrics and her favorite group, Talking Heads). Beth was an avid jewelry maker and jigsaw puzzler. She enjoyed many hours of antique shopping with Alicia, with whom she shared a love of Mid-Century Modern furniture and decor. Beth’s gentle, sweet spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Beth was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Don and Margaret Francis. She is survived by her loving wife of 25 years, Alicia McMahan and their sons, Perry and Riley Francis; her sister, Becky Francis Springer, husband Rob and their children Maggie and Grant of Elon, North Carolina and her extended McMahan/Barker family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church,

10125 Lakehaven Ct. Burke, Virginia on Saturday, Jul 26, 2025 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Beth’s memory to the music department at her alma mater, the University of Mary Washington. To make a donation, visit alumni.umw.edu/givetomusic, and please include Beth’s name in the “In memory” field. To give by mail, please make checks payable to the University of Mary Washington Foundation, noting that your gift is to the music department in Beth’s memory, and mail to: UMW Office of Advancement, 1119 Hanover St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401.