Virginia Anne Friddle

Virginia Anne Friddle, age 66, lifelong native of Greenville, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2018. Born on March 22, 1952, she was the daughter of the late William Jeremiah Friddle and Helen Alice Mullinax Friddle.

Anne attended Sans Souci Elementary and Junior High and graduated from Parker High School where she served as Head Majorette of the Parker High School Band. She also performed leading roles in the musicals directed by James B. Senn, band director, and Esther Rogers, choral director, both of whom were lifelong inspirations for Anne. She saw the positive qualities of all her classmates, and they selected her as class beauty queen every year in high school.

Anne graduated from Furman University where she continued to excel in music and theatrical performance. As a member of the Concert Choir directed by Dr. Milburn Price, she developed a passion for choral music. As an actress, Anne believed that “there are no small parts, only small actors.” Working with Dr. and Mrs. Phillip G. Hill, she became adept at transforming into a cranky old lady or an adorable ingenue. Traveling with Furman’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” on a USO tour to Iceland and Greenland was an especially memorable adventure.

At the Greenville Little Theater, Director Robert H. McClain challenged Anne to take leading roles in many musicals. She also performed at the Flat Rock Playhouse and at Theater of the Stars in Atlanta where she worked with Gene Kelly and Leonard Nimoy.

Anne’s greatest joy was being part of the choir at Earle Street Baptist Church. Anne believed that Minister of Music Janice Hinnant’s sensitive interpretation of simple hymns was a critical element in her religious experience. She also delighted in retelling the humorous stories of Pastor Stephen Clyborne during Sunday lunches. Earle Street’s staff and members were frequent visitors during Anne’s hospitalization, offering comfort and kindness.

Anne’s travels to the major cities of the United States and Europe left her with both an appreciation of cultural differences and an increased love of home. Whether in New York’s Times Square or the sidewalk café’s of Paris, she was always delighted to encounter Greenville theater friends or former Parker classmates.

For Anne, nothing was friendlier than the small gathering with snacks and chat about “old times.” Longtime friends such as Karen Cromer Bryant gave Anne an opportunity to laugh and share common experiences. Whether recounting the adventures of family “characters” or recalling the innocent joys of elementary school, she could portray exact mannerisms and offer precise details. Anne was her family’s storyteller and memory keeper.

She will be greatly missed by her sister, Linda Friddle Hardin, Linda’s husband Eugene R. Hardin III, and her nephew Ramsey Hardin. The family pets have lost a dear companion who provided long petting sessions, frequent walks, and treats.

Anne’s life will be honored at a graveside burial service on Thursday, April 26, at 2:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at Earle Street Baptist Church on Sunday, April 29, at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Music Ministry of Earle Street Baptist Church.