Frances Ellison Hamby, 94, of Charleston, SC, widow of Thomas Severn Hamby, entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 10, 2021. Her graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 in Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy, beginning at 10:00 am.

Fran was born February 4, 1927 in Williamston, SC, daughter and youngest of 11 children of the late Walter Ellison and Nannie Elrod Ellison. She was a graduate of Anderson College, now University, in Anderson, SC.

Fran was a long time member of Ashley River Baptist Church, where she served on numerous committees and directed the kindergarten for several years.

Fran is best known as the Founder of Hamby Catering and the author of the best selling cookbook, Catering to Charleston. From 1979 to 2009, Fran was the preeminent caterer in the South Carolina Lowcountry, and the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Her greatest legacy, however, is her enduring love of her family and friends. Her's was truly a life of service to others.

Fran is survived by her daughter, Debra Hamby Izard ("Bru"); and her son, Steven T. Hamby (Cheral); as well as three grandchildren, Megan Hamby Chalmers (Sean), D. Austin Bersinger (Elizabeth), and Blake T. Bersinger (Allison); and six great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Fran was preceded in death by all of her siblings.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601; Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407; or to a charity of one's choice.