Frances Grier Parker

Frances Grier Parker, of Florence, SC died at home, while surrounded by her loved-ones, on June 29, 2017 after a short illness. Born on June 29, 1934 in Florence, SC, Frankie, as she was called by her family and friends, was the daughter of William J. Grier and Mamie Clements Grier.She was married for fifty-one years to A.H. "Bozy" Parker until his death in 2003. A homemaker for the first decade of their marriage, she eventually, with the support of her husband, started Allied Answering Service, which she operated day-to-day for nearly forty-years. She was incredibly successful in a time when few women were involved in the telecommunications industry. Thanks to her many years of leadership and hard work, Allied, now managed by Mrs. Parker's daughters, continues to operate today, more than fifty years after first opening for business. Although she prided herself on her acumen as a businesswoman, Frankie's greatest enjoyment came from hosting her family on holidays and birthdays, spending hours (sometimes days) in the kitchen beforehand preparing dish after dish and going to great pains to ensure that all personal requests were satisfied. She loved her home, especially her sprawling backyard, which was a gathering-spot for her family and where she watched her grandchildren (and, eventually, great-grandchildren) play.Frankie had a passion for plants and flowers, which she acquired from her Aunt Frank, and considered her yard a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife.She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren for her immense generosity, unwavering support, and unconditional love. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Parker was predeceased by her brothers, William Grier, Jr. and Jimmy Grier, and sisters, Dorothy McGee and Virginia Foster. Mrs. Parker is survived by her daughters, Beth McCrae (John) of Fort Mill, SC and Kim Vause (Terry) of Florence, SC, as well as her four grandchildren: Richards McCrae (Jennifer) of Rock Hill, SC; Jay Shepard of New York City, NY; Beth Shepard of Saratoga Springs, NY; Anna Shepard of Florence, SC. She is also survived by her four great-grandchildren; Jay Ardis of Florence, SC; Jack McCrae, Bradley McCrae and Annie McCrae all of Rock Hill, SC. Additionally, Mrs. Parker is survived by siblings, Evelyn McLawhon of Wilmington, NC and Nancy Boutin of Lawrence, MA and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at Mrs. Parker's home, 510 Saluda Drive, Florence, SC, on Saturday, July 1, 2017, between 3pm and 6pm. A private memorial service will be held the following day. Mrs. Parker's daughters would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Kathryn Hopkins, their aunt, along with their dear friend, Pat Magee and Mrs. Parker's godchild Melissa Emerson. The family also wishes to express their appreciation to McLeod Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to McLeod Hospice or a charity of your choice.