Frances Byrd Lovell

Frances was a cherished member of the Southminster Retirement Community in Charlotte, NC, and a longtime member of Myers Park Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Averett College, and attained her Bachelors of Science degree in nursing from Duke University. While at Duke, she met the love of her life, Dr. William "Bill" Figgatt Lovell, as well as many of their lifelong friends. She and Bill married on March 24, 1945 and shortly thereafter moved to Miami, FL, when Bill served as a doctor in the United States Naval Reserve. It was here they welcomed their first child, Linda Byrd Lovell. They relocated to Detroit, MI, and while living in Detroit, their son, William “Chip” Figgatt Lovell, Jr., was welcomed to the family.

The family moved to Charlotte, NC where Bill began a flourishing practice as an allergist, while Frances demonstrated the art of mothering and homemaking, as well as engaging in many volunteer endeavors. Frances and Bill touched the Queen City and her people in many ways. While still maintaining Bill’s medical practice, Frances and Bill shared in their love of the land and nature by opening a dairy farm that their son, Chip, managed. They later transitioned their efforts into growing strawberries, blackberries and Silver Queen corn, where patrons of the farm could share in their enjoyment of the land. Along with running the farm, they maintained their elegant home, “White Gate”, which Frances designed. At “White Gate”, Frances and Bill created abundant flower and vegetable gardens, and delighted together in the surrounding wildlife. She and Bill were gracious hosts and loved to welcome friends and family.

Frances was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was predeceased by her husband, and by her son and daughter. Frances is survived by her four grandchildren, Kassi Sandifer (Landon), Carley Lovell, Krysten Franks, and William “Chad” Charles Lovell; her great-grandchildren, Landon Sandifer Jr. and Morgan Franks; and daughter-in-law, Susan Smith Lovell; as well as two nieces, Nancy M. Martin and Frances C. MacRae.

Frances was a strong and a dynamic southern woman. She was a lover of life, cherished by all who knew her.

Her life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 2nd at Southminster Retirement Community.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.