Frances Kelly Thornhill

Frances Kelly Thornhill, 90, of Charleston, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and loved ones on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. The relatives and friends of Frances Kelly Thornhill are invited to attend her Funeral Service at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at the Graveside, Magnolia Cemetery.Frances was born in Charleston, SC on June 25, 1925 to the late Frances Kelly and Edwin Jesse Thornhill. A graduate of Ashley Hall in Charleston and Hollins College, in Roanoke, VA. Frances was an avid equestrian. She was the founder of Ashley Stables on Johns Island, where she rode and taught for many years. She was instrumental in starting the Ashley Hall Equestrian Team and the Ashley Hall Horse Show, both which continue today. She passed down her love of horses to her niece and then grand nieces all of who followed in her foot steps and rode on the Ashley Hall Equestrian Team. Frances was an avid weaver who created beautiful fabrics on her loom. She also loved to knit and made sweaters for all her family members each Christmas. Frances was the family historian, and will be remembered for her independent spirit, her love of opera and her passion for horses. Frances is survived by her brother Edwin Jesse (Ned) Thornhill, Jr., her niece Martha T. Walters, her nephew Frank D. Thornhill, 3 grand-nieces and 3 grand nephews.