Frances Erwin Withers of Ashburn, Virginia passed away of natural causes April 19, 2012. She was 89.
Frances Elizabeth Erwin was born in Cliffside, NC, March 11, 1923, to Evelyn and Clyde A. Erwin, Sr. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1944, one of the first women to do so. She later earned a Masters in Biology from American University in Washington, D.C.
Frances pursued a career in laboratory science and teaching. She lectured in a range of biological sciences at George Mason College (now University) through the 1970s, and then taught high school biology in the Fairfax County School system until her retirement in 1989.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, George Stacy Withers, her brother Dr. Clyde A Erwin, Jr. and nephew Clyde A. Erwin, III.
Surviving is her daughter Lyn Withers of Leesburg, VA; Trudy Weaver, also of Leesburg, VA; sister-in-law Emily Erwin of Goldsboro, NC; and nieces Cindy Erwin Keller and husband John of Norfolk, VA, Cheri Erwin Williford and husband Lyn of Goldsboro, and Stacy Erwin Blahove and husband Mark of Savannah, GA.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Frances Withers will be held at 2 P. M. Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Ashby Ponds, located at 21170 Ashby Ponds Boulevard, Ashburn, VA. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the Clyde A. Erwin, Jr. Foundation in care of Wayne Community College, 3000 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro, N. C. 27530 or Children's Hospital Foundation, PO Box 96490, Washington, DC 20090-6490.