BOYKINS—Frances Deaton Faucette Mahanes, 69, of Boykins, Va., died Friday, June 22, 2012, in Richmond, Va.

She led a life full of adventure with family, friends and professional colleagues.

She loved the beach, her many pets, activities at the Boykins United Methodist Church and spending time in Eaglesmere, Pa.

Born in Boykins on August 4, 1942, Frances was the daughter of Martha Deaton and Elijah Whitford Faucette.

She attended Southampton County schools, graduating in 1960.

After attending James Madison University, Frances started teaching physical education and coaching the girls’ basketball team at Nelson County High School. While there, she started a family.

Frances continued to be active in sports, working at the Waynesboro YMCA, supporting her children’s sports teams, and competing in and coordinating many tennis tournaments.

In 1984, Frances began a long career committed to brain injury rehabilitation and advocacy. She worked with a number of organizations throughout Virginia and published a book detailing her personal experiences as the mother of a child with a brain injury.

In 2000, Frances returned to Boykins, where she cared for her mother and continued to work with individuals with brain injuries.

Frances is survived by her three children and four grandchildren: Dea Mahanes, of Charlottesville, Va; Anne Stryhn, her husband, Kaui, and their children Sarah, Carter and Graham, of Richmond, Va.; and Michael Mahanes of Boykins, Va., his wife, Marissa, and their daughter Caroline.

She is also survived by her brother, Sidney Lee Faucette, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and a number of extended family members and friends.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and a close friend, Annette McDermott, MD.

The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, at Wright Funeral Home, Boykins Chapel. A memorial service will be held at Boykins United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.

Burial will be private.

Those interested in making a memorial contribution should consider the Brain Injury Association of Virginia, 1506 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 212, Richmond, Va., 23230, or the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, P.O. Box 361, 1129 Corolla Village Road, Corolla, N.C., 27927.

The family would like to express their appreciation to everyone who supported and assisted Frances, especially in her final years. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.