Dr. Frances Roberta Pritchett

Dr. Fran Pritchett, a devoted physician, loving mother and grandmother, faithful Christian, and lifelong caregiver, passed away peacefully after a life dedicated to serving others on July 14, 2026. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at First Scots Presbyterian Church at 53 Meeting Street, Charleston, S. C. at 3:00 PM. A reception will follow at Bill and Kristen’s house.

Born on June 11, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama, Frances was the daughter of Robert Tillman Pritchett and Hannah Warlick Pritchett. She attended Birmingham public schools before earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Birmingham-Southern University in 1956. She went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1960, followed by an internship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

Dr. Pritchett spent most of her life in Charleston, South Carolina, where she built a distinguished career as an ophthalmologist. She was known not only for her skill and dedication as a physician but also for the genuine compassion she showed every patient. Caring for others was more than her profession-it was her calling. Her love and generosity in her career were gratefully traded for devotion to her family and donation of her skills to the Fetter Family Clinic.

Outside of medicine, Frances found great joy in her farm. She loved tending her garden, raising animals, and spending time surrounded by the beauty of God's creation. Those who knew her remember her as someone who found contentment in simple pleasures, hard work, and sharing the fruits of her labor with those she loved.

Above all, Fran was a faithful servant of the Lord. Her Christian faith guided every aspect of her life and was reflected in her kindness, humility, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She lived with grace and purpose and spunk, leaving an enduring example of faith, service, and love.

She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Roberta Woodward Simons and her husband, Carlton Simons Jr; and her son, William McGill Woodward Jr. and his wife, Kristen Callahan Woodward; and her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Carlton Simons, Tillman Roberta Longshore Simons, Mary Katherine Simons and Grange Benjamin Simons (Carlton and Kathy); and William McGill Woodward III and Susanna Callahan Woodward (Bill and Kristen) and her beloved niece Sally Dugger, her brothers, Gene, Bob and Jim.

Dr. Frances Pritchett will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former patients, and all whose lives were enriched by her compassionate heart and steadfast faith. Her legacy of love, service, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Her burial will take place on Saturday, July 25 at Forest Hills Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama at 10:00.

In lieu of flowers, Fran has requested donations to Montreat Conference Center or First Scots Presbyterian.