Frances Paula Lodwick Metts,87, passed away peacefully on August 7th, 2026. Frances was born November 4, 1938 in Jacksonville, Florida, the daughter of Frank Henry Lodwick and Mildred Coker Lodwick. Frances’ family moved to St.George, SC in 1955, and opened Lodwick’s Restaurant, where she met the love of her life. In August of 1957 she married Jackie Metts and became a proud Air Force wife, following him around the country and world throughout his military career. After his retirement in 1975, they and their four children, Mike, Laurie, Gary, and Kelly, moved home to the Duncan Chapel area of Dorchester County, where she resided for fifty years.
Along with being a proud military wife and mother to her young children, she made many close friends during Jackie’s service that she raised her children with and continued to visit and vacation with throughout the remainder of her life. Frances loved their days of traveling all over the country and even to Spain, where she had her youngest two children. At every stop, she wanted to know how far it was from the beach. She always said she had Florida blood, and was supposed to be near the salt air and sand. She and her sister Diana’s family remained close throughout her life, often packing 70 plus family members in a house for family gatherings, where she was famous for her potato salad.
She had a passion for teaching and working with children and often served in the schools her children attended wherever they were stationed. She began working at St. George Elementary while her children were in grade school. She worked at Bowman Academy and Dorchester Academy, where her grandchildren attended. She served as a substitute teacher, classroom aid, school secretary, librarian or whatever was needed. She was known as “Nanny” to many, many students and families throughout the community. Frances was also a devoted member of Duncan Chapel Methodist church where she prepared communion, along with many other roles. She and her husband were instrumental members of Al Anon and AA, helping friends and community members with addiction. Frances was also a member of the ABWA, Grits Committee, Emmaus group, and The Diana Mizzell Women in Mission at Harleyville Southern Methodist .
In addition to work, her church, and taking care of her grandchildren, she enjoyed shopping, vacationing with and visiting friends, going to the beach, the Braves, music and dancing, and cheering on her beloved Gamecocks. And of course, she loved to talk. If you ever talked to her, she would tell you first about her grandkids, and next about how busy she was. Above all, she would tell you that she loved Jesus. Frances lived a full life, not without struggle, but never complaining and always giving glory to her Savior for her many blessings.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband, and siblings, Diana Lodwick Mizzell and Franklin D. Lodwick. She is survived by her sons Michael Metts (Betty Jo), Gary Metts (Babette), Steven “Kelly” Metts, and her daughter, Laurie Metts Branch, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Metts; Grandchildren: Justin Branch (Wendy), Holly Westbury (Jason), Jenna Easterlin (Will), Jerrad Branch (Leigh), David Metts, Michelle Sweatman (Stanley), Mckenna Elswick (Josh), Devin Metts, Chase Mizzell (Jennifer), and Tiffany Durant (Chris). Great-grandchildren: Emma, Ava, and Hunter Branch, Charlotte, Abe, and Julia Shuler, Addison and Sadie Westbury, Bryce and Reed Easterlin, Karly Jo Branch, Evelyn, Levi, River, Oliver, and Vada Metts, Kizer and Lodwick Sweatman, Blaize and Kai Elswick, Elizabeth, Margaret, Eleanor, and Abigail Mizzell, and Kennedy Durant. A sister-in-law, Brenda Utsey (Wayne), a brother-in-law, Gene Metts, and a host of nieces and nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Bryant Funeral home Saturday, August 8th from 4-6pm. Funeral services will be held 2:00pm Sunday, August 9th at Duncan Chapel Methodist Church. Rev. Paul Lawton, Rev. Bob Lee, and Lance Hatchell will officiate. A burial will follow at the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin Branch, David Metts, Jerrad Branch, Chase Mizzell, Jason Westbury, Will Easterlin, Stanley Sweatman, and Josh Elswick.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many, many community members and friends that loved Nanny so well for so many years. There is no doubt your friendship and conversation was a great joy to her life. The family would like to thank Magnolias Assisted Living for their excellent care for Frances over the last few years.
Memorials may be made to Duncan Chapel Methodist Church, care of Jan Jacques, 7142 Vance Road, Bowman, SC 29018.
The family will receive friends over the weekend at the home of Mike and Betty Jo, 1589 St. Mark Bowman Rd., St. George, SC 29477.