Manie Frances Cross McClain Born 10-9-1931 in Greenville Alabama passed away peacefully at her home on 8-18-26 in Jacksonville North Carolina. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel with Phil Shepard officiating. Graveside services will be held on Monday, August 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

She is proceeded in death by her husband of 54 years Lomax McClain of Jacksonville North Carolina, her Father Cecil B. Cross, Mother Fannie Taylor Cross and Brother Cecil Cross II of Greenville, Alabama, Grandson Matthew Allen McClain and Granddaughter Melissa Swinson of Jacksonville North Carolina.

She is survived by her five children, Bryana Locklear, Julia Rochelle, Kenneth McClain (Dora), Gregory McClain (Susan), Lisa Futrell (Mark) and her remaining siblings Janice Thaggard, Joy Adams, Ragon Cross (Debbie) and Sister in Law Frieda Cross.

Frances was blessed with 13 Grand Children, 18 Great Grand Children and her many surrogate Grandchildren she accumulated throughout the years she served as their care giver.

Frances grew up in the red clay hills of Greenville Alabama amongst the lush pecan trees. She, her mama, siblings and her favorite Aunt Ruby and Uncle Earl spent many long relaxing days fishing on the banks of Sherling Lake, a past time she would later spend doing with her children during frequent visits back home.

She met Lomax McClain a local musician and they married in 1950. A new job brought them to a new location. They raised their five children in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Lomax went on to Pastor Christian Tabernacle Church for 39 years. Lots of friendships were born out of that ministry.

Frances worked for the Onslow County School Systems for many years. She also worked at Roses Department Store where she shared great memories with her coworkers.

During her fifties she chose to go back to school where she became a Certified Nursing Assistant.

She immensely enjoyed cooking and canning for her family. Supper at the McClain household was truly a feast.

She loved every flower imaginable especially Camellia’s and Bougainvillea’s. Every Year was spent shopping the aisles of Pender Pines and Redfearn’s Nurseries.

Thrift Stores were another love of hers where she accumulated more “Pretties” as she would call them over the years than the law allowed.

She kept her mind sharp by being an avid reader and solving Sudoku Puzzles until losing her vision to Macular Degeneration.

She loved attending the many concerts of The Wilmington Celebration Choir to which four of her family members belong.

She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was mom to her five, a friend to many and Grandma to most. She is greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

Proverbs 31-28a

Her Children rise up and call her blessed

Visitation will be held at Jones Funeral Home on Sunday 8/23/26 from 6pm-8pm

The family will welcome visitors at 1439 Onslow Pines Rd Jacksonville, NC 28540