Frances Dill Mikell Tupper COLUMBIA, SC - Frances Dill Mikell Tupper, 96, of Columbia, South Carolina, died Monday, September 14, 2020. Born July 19, 1924 in Charleston, she was the daughter of the late Park Hay Mikell and Dorothy Ale Mikell. Frances grew up on James Island. She spent time on Edisto Island all of her life, making memories with many generations. She remained connected to her friends and relatives in the Lowcountry throughout her life. Frances graduated from Winthrop College and married James Lockwood Tupper, Sr. (Jim) in 1945. They were charter members of St. Martin's-in-the Fields Episcopal Church. During her 65+ years at St. Martin's, Frances taught Sunday School, Bible School, Kindergarten and was instrumental in many of the ministries of the church. The fellowship and love experienced as part of the St. Martin's family was a major force in her life. Frances always welcomed newcomers at church and never met a stranger anywhere. Working to share their Christian faith with others, she and Jim coordinated Faith Alive for over 15 years throughout the Carolinas. Frances also enjoyed her memberships in the Colonial Dames and the Junior League of Columbia. Frances spent time reaching out to others through cards and letters, expressing her love, support and encouragement with stickers, articles, and cut outs for every milestone and accomplishment. She deeply cherished her time with family and friends. Visits were always welcomed and visitors left with an appreciation for a sense of humor which she felt was necessary for living abundantly. Frances loved telling stories and was known to embellish them on occasion. Birthday cakes, pound cakes, and blueberry muffins were never in short supply and were widely distributed. She is survived by her son, James Lockwood Tupper, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Shuford Tupper; grandchildren, Park Mikell Tupper and his wife, Lyssa Havard Tupper; Lee Lockwood Tupper and his wife, Bridgett Molony Tupper; and Joel Ashford Tupper; as well as her great-grandson, Lee Lockwood Tupper, Jr. Frances is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins and she adored them boundlessly. In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her devoted husband, James Lockwood Tupper, Sr; her daughter, Frances Dill Tupper; and her sister, Dorothy Agnes Mikell Fishburne. Burial will be at St. Paul's Churchyard in Summerville. A celebration of Frances' life will be held at a future date. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to the Arbor Fund at St. Martin's-in-the Fields Episcopal Church, 5220 Clemson Avenue, Columbia, South Carolina 29206, or a charity of one's choice. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 16 to Sep. 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Tupper

Sponsored by Shives Funeral Home - Trenholm Road Chapel.

2 Entries

Gloria Avent

October 7, 2020

Dear Jamie and Carolyn,
My dear friend Lavinia Thaxton told me about the passing of your Mom. Her obituary was lovely and so definitive of her. Your Dad and Mom engaged Hank and me in Faith Alive all those years ago when we were newly weds and we went on a number of weekends with them. Such tireless and energetic examples! I know, too, that your folks and mine were friends in the early days at St Martins. I think our Mom's were alike in many ways. During more recent years, when I was traveling regularly to Columbia to visit with my folks at Laurel Crest, I made a stop at Still Hopes and had a nice visit with your Mom ( I was president of the Board of the Friends of the SC Libraries which is what I think initiated the visit). She was, at that time, still very vibrant and inspiring in her youthful ways and her faith. She was quick to tell me that my Mom had led her to the Lord, typically taking the focus off of herself and putting it on another.
However, I know Frances is rejoicing with her Lord over the many whom she also was able to invite into a relationship with Him. What an enthusiastic and generous heart! Truly, a great lady! I'm so thankful to have known her.
With affection and sympathy, Gloria (Glo) Van De Water Avent

WALTER DURST

September 17, 2020

When the Tuppers lived on Parkman, I lived about a half a block from them on Belmont. They lived at the top of a big hill with a lot of trees and bushes in the front yard. When it would snow, the kids in the neighborhood would attempt to slide down their hill without crashing into any trees or bushes. It was quite a challenge. We got hurt a lot, but we were kids. Mrs. Tupper didn't want us to do that, but we did anyway. She finally relented. She was very nice to us kids. My sympathies go out to Jamie and the family. Thanks for sharing your hill with us.

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