Frances Lucas Ellerbe Grimball

Frances Lucas Ellerbe Grimball died at Bishop Gadsden on December 30, 2022 at age 101.

Frances was born in Manning, South Carolina on May 29, 1921. She was the daughter of Colonel Henry Irby Ellerbe and Margaret Lucas Ellerbe. After completing her education in Bennettsville, South Carolina, she moved to Charleston where she worked in an insurance agency on Broad Street. She met an attorney, William H. Grimball, and during a short break from his three years in the Pacific Theater aboard the Destroyer USS Meade, they married in St. Michael’s Church on August 9, 1942. This was the start of a wonderful marriage. Frances and Bill were devoted to each other. She was an untiring supporter of him in his fifty years as a trial attorney and in his volunteer work. They enjoyed being together, whether at home in South Windermere, at the beach, at Kanuga, or on their trips overseas. 

Frances was a loving wife, mother of four boys, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a deep faith, conducting daily morning prayers with a Bible reading and making sure her sons were at church every Sunday morning. She was a member of the Colonial Dames and the Spiritual Society. She volunteered her time and talent, most importantly, to St. Michael’s Church, where she served regularly over her lifetime.

Her pride and joy were her sons, William (Frieda) an attorney and Commander in the United States Navy; Henry (Virginia) a trial attorney; Arthur (Andrea) a cardiothoracic surgeon; and youngest, Frank (Capers), also a trial attorney. The examples set by both Frances and Bill inspired each of her sons to be active in their churches, civic affairs, and other organizations and societies.  
Never having had a daughter, Frances was devoted to her sons’ wives, Frieda, Virginia, Andrea, and Capers. They likewise were devoted to her and contributed much to her care at Bishop Gadsden.

Frances adored her nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who called her Grannie Frannie. Her grandchildren are Marian G. Young and William H. Grimball (Cate); Henry E. Grimball (Charlotte) and Emily G. Longley (Stuart); Margaret G. Daniel (Brian) and Andrew S. Grimball; and F. Heyward Grimball (Paige), N. Harrison Grimball, and Frances S.G. Gouldin (Davis).

Frances lived an amazing life. She was also a lot of fun to be with. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed having friends of her sons in her home. She was known with great affection by her sons and many of their friends as the “Boss.” To be with her sons, she watched sports and even sipped an occasional beer with them. She was a very good cook, renowned for artichoke pickles, green tomato pickles, and cakes. She touched the hearts of countless friends of her sons and grandchildren with her kindness, generosity, affection, discipline (when necessary), and faith. She was genuinely interested in what they were doing and what they had to say.

Frances was devoted to the staff at Bishop Gadsden who took such good care of her. She and her family are sincerely thankful for their support and attention. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bishop Gadsden’s Residents’ Assistance Fund, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412 or to St. Michael’s Church Dec of Trust Educational Fund c/o Baird, 25 Calhoun Street, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29401.

Her family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on January 4, 2023 at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Grimball at 11 Orange Street in Charleston. 

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023 in St. Michael’s Church, immediately followed by her burial at Magnolia Cemetery located at 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.