Frances Addy Price

LEXINGTON—Frances Addy Price, 92, the wife of D. Murray Price passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Funeral Services for Mrs. Price will be held at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Lexington on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Caughman Harman Funeral Home in Lexington.

Mrs. Price was born on December 6, 1922 the daughter of the late Lonnie Brooks Addy, Sr. and Ila Hook Addy. She was predeceased by brothers, Keith, Lindsey and L.B. Addy, Jr. and sister, Marjorie A. Lindler. Having been born and raised in Lexington on South Lake Drive, a short block from the Old Lexington County Courthouse her side yard and playground was what is now Virginia Hylton Park. Growing up in the 20’s and 30’s in Lexington afforded her chances to test her spirited personality. She would entertain her playmates with her daredevil activities such as walking the handrail of the bridge on Highway 6, crossing the Mill Pond, waving to them playing in the waters nearby. Her creative flair surfaced as she scoured the woods and fields picking wildflowers and grasses to decorate her Easter box. Since her home was centrally located it became the gathering place for friends and country cousins – two miles from the courthouse was country in those days. During the building of Lake Murray Dam, Mrs. Price’s parents took in construction workers, some of whom were accompanied by their families. All of this sharpened her hostess skills for use later in life. Frances loved to have family and friends visit her home and would amuse and entertain them with stories of Lexington of bygone years. She particularly loved to share her memories of the old St. Stephen Stone Church of her childhood, having been baptized as an infant by a young Dr. Obenschain and later married by a senior Dr. Obenschain. She and friends would spend hours in the beautiful old historic cemetery across the street from the church walking and studying the tombstones. At that time the cemetery was surrounded by a stately wrought iron fence with large magnolia trees. Unquestionably, it was the most beautiful acre of nature, peace and tranquility in Lexington.

Frances was a young lady of beauty, charm, an accomplished dancer and blessed with great wit. During WWII her greatest pleasure came as she attended dances at the Columbia Army Air Base serving as a hostess and lead dancer. Numerous friendships formed during this time. Her parent’s home was opened each Sunday for dinner to many of the band members offering them a home away from home. Her love of dancing and Big Band music continued through the years. She and husband, Murray, made the ultimate dance couple over the ensuing years. Often, at banquets or conventions, they were the prize winning couple on the dance floor.

A graduate of Lexington High School Class of 1940, she then worked in the offices at the Lexington County Courthouse until 1946. She had a great love and talent for architectural detail, interior decorating and landscape design. One of her pleasures was visiting and sightseeing old antebellum homes and neighborhoods. Throughout the years she put her talents to use with great success in the many homes she enjoyed with her husband and children.

She loved her family – she loved her Lord – She loved life.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, D. Murray Price, sons, David B. Price (Ann) and Gerald M. Price of Lexington; daughters Vickie P. Ettenger (Warner) of Gilbert and Deborah P. Moye (Tom) of Lexington. She was known as a loving grandmother to seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who called her their “Frannie”.

Memorials may be made to the St. Stephen Cemetery Maintenance Fund, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 119 North Church Street, Lexington, SC or to a charity of one’s choice.