Loraine Beach Hanckel

Loraine Beach Hanckel, of Charleston SC, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

Loraine was born August 3, 1935, to Arthur and Guessie Beach. She graduated from Charleston High where she met her future husband of 64 years, Frank S. Hanckel, Jr. Loraine was an X-ray Technician at Roper Hospital before moving to Germany for two years while Frank served in the U.S. Army. Upon her return to Charleston, she raised her three children. Loraine was a loving and dedicated mother and was an active supporter of all of their endeavors.

In 1974, Loraine became one of the first licensed tours guides in Charleston. She, along with other history loving Charlestonians, started the Associated Guides of Charleston, giving private car tours, walking tours and bus tours. She received national recognition in The New York Times and assisted in writing and producing the Phil Donahue Show when it came to town.  Loraine supported her community in many ways, serving on Boards and volunteering for Florence Crittenton Home, American Cancer Society, The Ladies Benevolent Society, March of Dimes and The United Way.

Loraine and Frank were particularly devoted to their service at First Scots Church. It was shortly after joining the church that they began the New Beginnings Sunday School Class for young married (and single) members. The friendships made during their leadership of this class were deep and long lasting.

Loraine is survived by her three children - Francis Stuart Hanckel IV (Joni), John Arthur Hanckel (Lizanne) and Christian Hanckel McKenzie (Bill) and her grandchildren - Elizabeth Hanckel Baldwin (Jacob), Eleanor Rose Hanckel, John Arthur Hanckel Jr, William Francis West Hanckel (Virginia), McCalla Wagner Hanckel, William Joseph McKenzie Jr., Frances Christian McKenzie and Katie Ann Kitchens. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank S. Hanckel Jr., her
brothers - Wallace Beach and Jack Beach, her sisters - Mary Townsend, Lillian Dietz, June Lavin and Virginia Myatt and her grandson, Francis Stuart Hanckel V.

Her Funeral Service will be at 3:00 PM, Friday, April 23, 2021, at the graveside, Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of John and Lizanne Hanckel, 6 Coburg Road.

Donations may be made in her honor to First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, The Bishop Gadsden Employee Fund or Clemson University Foundation.