Frances Ellison Hamby

FUNERAL HOME

J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel

3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway

Charleston, South Carolina

Frances Hamby Obituary

Name: Visitation for Frances Ellison Hamby
Start: 2021-12-18T10:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-12-18T11:30:00.000Z
Location: J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel

Frances Ellison Hamby Charleston - Frances Ellison Hamby, 94, of Charleston, SC, widow of Thomas Severn Hamby, entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 10, 2021. Her graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 in Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy, beginning at 10:00 am. Fran was born February 4, 1927 in Williamston, SC, daughter and youngest of 11 children of the late Walter Ellison and Nannie Elrod Ellison. She was a graduate of Anderson College, now University, in Anderson, SC. Fran was a longtime member of Ashley River Baptist Church, where she served on numerous committees and directed the kindergarten for several years. Fran is best known as the Founder of Hamby Catering and the author of the best selling cookbook, Catering to Charleston. From 1979 to 2009, Fran was the preeminent caterer in the South Carolina Lowcountry, and the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Her greatest legacy, however, is her enduring love of her family and friends. Her's was truly a life of service to others. Fran is survived by her daughter, Debra Hamby Izard ("Bru"); and her son, Steven T. Hamby (Cheral); as well as three grandchildren, Megan Hamby Chalmers (Sean), D. Austin Bersinger (Elizabeth), and Blake T. Bersinger (Allison); and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Fran was preceded in death by all of her siblings. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601; Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407; or to a charity of one's choice. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Hamby

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.

9 Entries

Natalie Clink

December 20, 2021

Dear Steve and Family,

We are saddened to hear your mom, Mrs. Hamby, has passed. My sisters and our late mother, Sue Clink, have always had very fond memories of working for Hamby Catering-your mom left a lasting impression on us all.

Mrs. Hamby taught perfection and hard work-from rolling up her sleeves showing me how to polish silver properly, the correct arrangement/spacing of her famous chicken salad sandwiches on the trays, hauling everything from the truck up the Hibernian Hall stairs (today this would be considered a Cross Fit WOD); it´s all in the details and even the smallest detail must be perfect!

Even today, when we have a family celebration-the trays are polished, linens have zero wrinkles, and the fruit is arranged in a display for the table!

Our deepest condolences to you and your families. May her memories live on.

Sincerely,
Mandy Clink Cattie and Natalie Clink

Barbara Kamp

December 14, 2021

Fran was such a gracious, beautiful lady. And she was a fabulous cook. Sending hugs to her family.

Barbara G. Epstein

December 13, 2021

The perfect lady, the perfect Navy Wife, the perfect caterer and a perfect friend. I will miss her. Rest In Peace dear Fran.

Roy Willey

December 13, 2021

She set the standard for Charleston hospitality and catering. To this day, no party is complete without the recipes she created and perfected. May she Rest In Peace.

Chris Bockman

December 13, 2021

So sorry for your loss. She was a legend in catering, and a true lady, very nice.

Mary Murray

December 13, 2021

I'm so sorry! She was a great lady. She set the bar high with catering in Charleston. Once a Hamby customer always a customer. I still pick up items from market.

Roy DeHaven

December 12, 2021

Excellence is a word Mrs. Hamby always strived to achieve for her products and service. She always cared about her clients and tried to help them get the best.
Thanks to her family for the millions of hours she spent worrying about other people more than herself. Prayers of comfort for all she loved.

Chef Robert Dickson

December 12, 2021

Such wonderful memories of assisting this fine lady in her catering kitchen 25 yrs. ago, although it was short lived for me, i´ll always remember her kindness and delicious food. May she rest in peace.

BRUCE BOBO

December 12, 2021

SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING, GOD SPEED TO YOU.

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