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Ann Fitts Obituary

Ann Driver Fitts ISLE OF PALMS - With great sadness we announce the passing of Ann Driver Fitts, "Annie Fannie", 92, of Isle of Palms, SC, on May 5, 2025. Ann was born October 6, 1932 in Hartford, Connecticut to Robert O. Driver and Gertrude Swift Driver. She spent most of her life in Charleston, SC until her love for the beach took her to the Isle of Palms, where she created a home for herself, her four children and her eleven grandchildren. A life lived from the back seat, Ann went wherever love drove her. She followed her heart straight out the doors of Rosemont College to Princeton to be with our Dad. When the faculty at Rosemont was less than amused with her free spirit, she was not invited back and her true life's journey began. Ann once said that she never really worried about the big things because "If everyone would just take care of their own little corner of the world, the big things would all work themselves out." She lived her whole life taking care of her little corner, and that corner included so many people: her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as countless friends who became family along the way. Her porch was a welcome place for long conversations to work through the stickier side of life and she was a tried and true confidante for all who knew her. Christmas spirit was a year-round sentiment for her. She created "magic" out of thin air and we were all beneficiaries of her merry mischief. She was a consummate host and took tremendous pleasure in feeding both our souls and our stomachs. Her dinner parties were legendary and always wrapped up with music and dancing. She orchestrated and reveled in the joy she'd created for the people she loved, then set us all on our merry way while she cleaned up the mess. For Mom, "family" was everything. Her passing leaves a tremendous void, but she was never shy with her thoughts and so we all know what we meant to her and exactly what she'd say in any given situation. There is great comfort in that, and in knowing that she's in the driver's seat now, riding with the top down, on her way to the beach. She's got music on the radio, a cocktail in one hand and her nails tapping the steering wheel with the other. We can see her dazzling smile and the twinkle in her eye...ready to take on the next little corner of the world. She is survived by her four children, Casey Fitts (Sue), Matt Fitts (LaTrelle), Layne Nelson (David) and Amy Marvin (Randy); and her godson, Harry Seltzer; her eleven grandchildren, Jessica Fitts (Mahmoud), Tyler Fitts, Molly Fitts, Melanie Fitts, Savannah Fitts, Olivia Little (Doug), Calvin Fitts (Rebecca), Austin Nelson, Kayla Nelson, Weston Marvin (Audrey), Kayce Bunch (Griffin) and four and a half great-grandchildren, Madeleine Arram, Rami Arram, Zayn Arram, Blakely Marvin and soon to be baby boy, Bunch. The family invites you to celebrate Annie Fannie's life with us between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Rice Mill Building, 17 Lockwood Drive, Charleston. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of her favorite causes: Just Be You (www.justbeyou.org), The Charleston Animal Society (www.charlestonanimalsociety.org) or Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary (www.halliehill.com). Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from May 10 to May 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Fitts

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Diane Judge McKillen

June 27, 2025

Ann certainly knew “what to do with her one wild and precious life” and as a teenager watching her I thought she was the most magical mom . She was one of my earliest idols and she and her four children hold a special place in my memory. My deepest sympathy for you all she was a treasure for sure

Jessica N.

June 23, 2025

Dear Ann, I wish I could have met you while you were alive. I´ve heard all about your "Two Yard" parties and your zest for life through your son. I remember the stories of how much you wanted to stay in your beach house, independent in your happy place as long as possible. You were legendary and shall not be forgotten.

Rodd Heinlen

May 13, 2025

I only knew Ann Fitts through Layne’s stories of her over our years working together. Pretty clear there was a lot of love in that family. And, always enjoyed those outings to the Charleston Open Tennis because of Ann’s generosity. I know she will be missed.

Richard and Kathleen Anderson

May 12, 2025

So sorry to hear of Ms. Ann´s passing. She lived a long life and raised a beautiful family. Thoughts and prayers go up for all of you.

carolyn

May 12, 2025

Sending thoughts and prayers to the family of Ann.
I got to know her at Franke over the years and when my mom was there. Ann was so much fun to talk with . she said things as she saw them. She would say hi any time I came in Franke
Carolyn

Radha and Dr. P. R. Rajagopalan

May 12, 2025

Ann was an angel. Always caring and considerate. Made us feel at home when we were new in Charleston.

Holly Maclure

May 11, 2025

As Casey’s sister-in-law, Ann welcomed me into the family with warmth and kindness, and I deeply loved her for her generosity and open heart. I’ll always remember her with love and tenderness, and for the sweet way that she would pat my hand. I will always cherish my memories of her.

Ron and Ruthie Padgett (RN)

May 11, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sadness. Hers was a life well lived. Rest eternal grant Ann O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her.

ROY A DEHAVEN

May 9, 2025

Ann saved a small boy on Isle of Palms in the late 1970's. He was caught in a rip tide and she noticed him and called for help. Once he was on the beach she took control until a professional arrived. God Bless her family and all she touched.

Georgie Rock

May 9, 2025

I know you will miss her greatly

Peter Cotten

May 8, 2025

The epitome of a warm gentile southern lady that reared four incredibly intelligent and caring children that are all quite amazing. A warm heart that will be truly missed

Bobbie Rothschild

May 7, 2025

Great memory of her marching up and down the beach daily walks. She and my cousin, Reka, were dear friends. We have missed her here on 56/57th for these past years. Know she is in a better place. My condolences to the family.

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Jun

30

Celebration of Life

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Rice Mill Building

17 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401

Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

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