Marcia "Lynn" McGowan-McNear

Marcia Lynette “Lynn” McGowan-McNear, age 61, transitioned to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, January 9, 2026. Born on September 22, 1964, in Frankfort, Kentucky, Lynn was the beloved daughter of the late Franklin D. McGowan Sr. and Dorothy J. Combs-McGowan. Lynn’s love for the Lord was her foundation, and it guided her path in life. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. John AME before becoming a faithful member of First Baptist Church in 2009. As a devout Christian, she regularly attended bible study and was a member of the Woman’s Missionary Union “Golden Girls”. Her steadfast relationship with God was bestowed upon her children and grandchildren. She taught them the value of prioritizing a relationship with God, and the importance of remaining near God in every season of life. She never hesitated to share words of praise with others. She'd often jot down prayer requests with Bible verses in her journal, and if asked to pray for someone, she'd follow up with action, being sure to uplift the person in need. She was a true prayer warrior and her love for God was unwavering. To know Lynn was to know that she loved shopping, reading, going out to eat, talking on the phone, being pampered and wearing vibrant clothes. She rarely went without wearing her kitten heels, and her signature look was to wear a pink lipstick with a pearl necklace. She was a true “girly girl”. Lynn was a social butterfly and loved spending time with her family and friends. She carried many roles in her life including mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, wife and friend. Her marriage produced 3 “stair-step” children, Brenton, Jacquee and Shantae. She would always joke that she had been pregnant for 3 years straight. As a loving and hard-working mother, she and Jack raised them to be well-rounded, respectful, caring, successful adults. It goes without saying that her favorite role of all was being “Nana”. She had countless cherished moments with her grandchildren Makiya, Brailyn and Simona. When they were together, there was no shortage of laughter and silliness. Whether she was going to an awards program, having a lunch outing, cheering at a basketball game or offering her best cartoon character impressions, “Nana” was ever-present in a loving and supportive way. Her grandchildren were her everything. Lynn’s home was the center for all gatherings. Filling her home with loved ones meant the world to her. She loved hosting holidays, parties and celebrations; she was always the “life of the party”. Sharing food, laughter, and good times with her dear friends and cousins at “Diva Night” was a tradition she held close to her heart. With a warm smile and an open door, she made everyone feel at home. Lynn graduated in 1982 from Frankfort High School in Frankfort, KY. She then attended college at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY before beginning her professional career with Kentucky State Government in 1987. Over time, she rose to ultimately hold the title of Director of Division of Resource Management in the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). During her time at KDE, many of her colleagues became close friends. She cherished the bonds that she shared with each of them. After devoting 37 years to her career, Lynn happily retired in October 2024, excited to devote more time to family and travel. She made sure to have a grand retirement celebration which included two parties and a trip to the Dominican Republic with her family. Her celebration was much enjoyed and much deserved. Lynn was preceded in death by her father, Franklin McGowan, Sr. and nephew, Roman McGowan, Sr. She is survived by her mother Dorothy Combs-McGowan; children Roderick Brenton (Lauren) McNear, Jacquee Lynette McNear, Brittany Shantae McNear and their father Jack McNear; grandchildren Makiya Breann Faye McNear, Brailyn Jackson McNear and Simona Brynn McNear; siblings Frank (Darla) McGowan Jr., Roger (Jennifer) Hogan and Lyla (William) Pryor; nieces and nephews, Christopher McGowan, Paige McGowan, Zion Pryor, Chad Adams, Makayla Hogan and Lindsay Hamilton. She is also survived by a host of great-nieces and great-nephews as well as cousins and friends. Lynn will be remembered for her radiant smile, her infectious laughter, and her love for God and family. Services will be held at First Baptist Church on Clinton Street in Frankfort, Kentucky on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Tiangello T. Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Monday. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

Tributes

Marcia "Lynn" McGowan-McNear

September 22, 1964 - January 9, 2026