Dr. Frances Shelley “Scottie” Asbill, 76, passed away peacefully August 7, 2017, surrounded by her family. Dr. Asbill was born January 5, 1941, in Columbia, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Lauren W. and Lucile Brown Shelley. She graduated from Dreher High School in 1959 where she was actively involved in student government.
She attended Randolph Macon Women’s College, graduating in 1963, followed by Duke University where she earned a master of arts in teaching in 1964. She began work with the Education Division of the Houghton-Mifflin Publishing Company in Boston, Massachusetts, being promoted to assistant editor before leaving Boston to marry her high school sweetheart, Henry W. Asbill Jr. in 1965.
She left her profession temporarily to raise her family but returned to teaching in 1981, eventually completing her PhD in reading in 1991. She tutored privately before joining the faculty of Hammond Academy in 1993 until her retirement in 1999.
Dr. Asbill was a member of the Junior League of Columbia, the Wisteria Garden Club, The Assembly, and countless book clubs. As an avid reader herself, she promoted literacy for all, helping student athletes, young children, and even adults learn to read.
She traveled to China to participate in a cultural exchange of teaching ideas. She and her husband traveled the world together, yet she was an involved grandparent, attending any and all events in which her grandchildren participated. Dr. Asbill was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Henry W. Asbill Jr.; and is survived by her sister, Carol Shelley Tyler and her husband, Hugh; her sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Brian H. Asbill and Dr. Sarah Warren Asbill, Dr. Kevin S. Asbill and Jennifer Breihan Asbill; five grandchildren: Connor, Ryan, Henry, Jacob, and Lauren Asbill, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Thursday, August 10 from 5-7 p.m. at the home of her son at 2140 Shady Lane, Columbia.
A memorial service was held at 11 o’clock Friday, August 11 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, with a private burial following in Elmwood Cemetery.
Special thanks to the loving staff at Laurel Crest and Hospice Care of Tri- County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Public Library Foundation, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or the Congaree Land Trust, PO Box 5232, Columbia, SC 29250.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
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