Frances Lindler Obituary

The world lost a true servant's heart on June 17, 2025, when Frances Parnell "Mickey" Lindler passed away peacefully at home in Columbia, SC. She was 84 years old. Mickey was born on January 5, 1941, in Sumter, SC, to Reverend Douglas Fletcher Parnell and Nell Jeanette Gossett Parnell. From her earliest years, she embodied compassion, kindness, and a belief that "if she had it, she would share it." A devoted wife, mother, and community leader, Mickey's life was defined by service to others. She worked at South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation and retired from the State House, but her work never really stopped. She poured her energy into causes she believed in-serving as a Cub Scout leader for her sons' pack in the 1970s, working with Dixie Youth baseball, and holding leadership roles in civic and political organizations. She was Chair of the Lexington County Republican Women; served as a National Committeewoman; Chair of the First Tuesday Republican Club of Richland and Lexington Counties; President of the Dutch Fork Republican Women's Club; and as a member of the Election Commission. A woman of deep faith, Mickey was a devoted member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church. She served on the Music committee and shared her love of music as a longtime member of the choir. She championed education, beginning as president of the PTA and later serving on the Clemson University Board of Visitors, the Boards of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, Midlands Technical College, John de la Howe State Agency, and community committees with School District Five of Lexington/Richland Counties. She also volunteered countless hours to veterans' organizations, women's shelters, and programs supporting the homeless. She served on the Boards of The United Way, Lexington County Sheriff's Advisory, and the National Federation of Republican Women. She was also twice recognized by the House of Representatives for her extensive service to the people of South Carolina, named Retired State Employee of the Year by the State Employees Association, and received the Bill Jackson Award for service. She was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions. Above all, Mickey loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Carl Preston Lindler; her son, Barry Preston Lindler of Columbia, SC; her daughter-in-law, Beth Charles Lindler; her sister, Janice Cooper of Columbia, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved oldest son, Carl Michael Lindler, in July 2024; her sister, Deborah Brownlee; and her brother, Douglas Parnell Jr. Mickey taught by example-leading with grace, giving without hesitation, and lifting up everyone around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will live on in those who were blessed to know her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pawmetto Lifeline in memory of Frances Lindler: pawmettolifeline.org/get-involved/donate or by mail to Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212. "She believed it was our responsibility to help others. The world is a little dimmer without her light, but her kindness will echo on in all of us."