Frances Purvis Ellett

Frances Purvis Ellett, 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Beaufort, SC, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 17, 1946, in Savannah, Georgia, Frances was the daughter of the late John Alan Purvis and Laura Lee Gibson Purvis. The family later moved to Charlotte, NC where she grew up. Frances graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in education and was a devoted sister of Zeta Tau Alpha.

After marrying William “Bill” Egbert Ellett, Jr., they lived in the Columbia, SC area and spent several years in Charlottesville, VA. Frances enjoyed life on Lake Murray, playing bridge and solitaire, and cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks. In recent years, she found great joy spending time in Beaufort, SC.

She was a dedicated educator and loving homemaker who gave generously of her time, enthusiastically volunteering for her children’s schools and family’s church and leading countless activities and events. In the 80’s, she was the season long winner of The State paper “Pigskin Pick ’Em” competition.

Frances made every celebration—birthdays, Christmas, and holidays—extra special for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She was a life-long learner and a witty collector of stories.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Lee Ellett Wolfe (Bill), and her brother, John Alan Purvis, Jr. Frances is survived by her devoted husband, William “Bill” Egbert Ellett, Jr.; her son, William “Bill” Egbert Ellett III, of Washington, DC; her daughter, Stacie Ellett Ward (J.C.) of Chapin, SC; five grandchildren: William “Jay” Edward Wolfe, Jr. (Leigh) of Nashville, TN; John Ellett Wolfe (Michayla) of Beaufort, SC; John Coleman Ward, Jr.; Charles Ellett Ward; and William Gibson Ward, all of Chapin, SC; and four great-grandchildren: Hollingsworth “Hollings” Lee Wolfe, William Edward Wolfe III, Ellett “Elle” Caroline Wolfe, and Benjamin Michael Wolfe.

The family would like you to join them to celebrate the life of Frances Ellett on Friday, June 20 at 7:00pm at The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens, located at 2208 North Lake Dr. Columbia, SC 29212. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.