Carolyn Thigpen Ard

Carolyn Thigpen Ard, 77, of Myrtle Beach, SC entered into eternal rest with her family by her side on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. She was born on Sunday, August 20, 1939 in Dillion, SC to the late Mrs. Azalee Thigpen and the late Mr. James Thigpen. Carolyn graduated from the Florence Business College, worked as a Buyer in the clothing industry for several years in Las Vegas and then returned home to SC and co-owned Palmetto Loan Company with her husband Frank. In 1976 they relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC where she spent time as a homemaker. Carolyn enjoyed spending time with her family, long walks on the beach, and shopping. Her family will remember her as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Frank Ard, of Myrtle Beach, SC; three daughters, Carolyn Renee Gainey, of Myrtle Beach, SC, Frankie Michelle McNeill, of Tampa, Florida, and Stephanie Ard Meadows (Scott), of Mt. Pleasant, SC; one aunt, Dot Rogers; four sisters, Betty Jo Yarborough (Cale), Shirley McCutchen, Wanda Ross (Mark), Vonnie Koeppel (Urs); one brother, Jim Thigpen; three grandchildren, Jessica Coleman, Alec Meadows, and Arden Meadows and many loving friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Kennon Thigpen, of Summerton, SC, and brother-in-law, Wayne McCutchen, of Hartsville, SC. A Funeral Service will be held at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 1:00 PM. A Burial will be held in the Florence National Cemetery, 803 E National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC 29506 at a later date. In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to in her memory to the American Cancer Fund, www.americancancerfund.org/. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1520 RIFLE RANGE ROAD, MT PLEASANT, SC (843) 884-3833.