Margaret Elizabeth Suggs Prince

Margaret Elizabeth Suggs Prince of Loris passed away in her home on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at the age of 93. A native of Loris, Mrs. Prince was born on December 24, 1925. The daughter of Grover C. and Irene M. Suggs, she graduated from Loris High School as co-valedictorian of her class. Always a trendsetter, she attended Columbia College where she was active in many clubs and organizations. Mrs. Prince graduated in 1946 with an English degree and began her teaching career in Darlington.

In August 1948, she married her high school sweetheart, E.W. Prince Jr. and moved to Clemson so he could complete his degree. While in Clemson, Mrs. Prince taught at the Clemson Calhoun School. In 1950, the couple returned to Loris to assist Mr. Prince with the family business, Gurley Trading Company. During this time, Mrs. Prince taught at Loris Elementary School until her first child, Edward, arrived followed thereafter by Elizabeth and Robert Naugher.

During the years while raising her family, Mrs. Prince remained very active in church activities and local garden clubs. Alongside her husband she assisted in the management of the family businesses which included Gurley Trading Company, The Holiday House Motel, Cherry Grove Pier, Twin City Memorial Gardens and the House of Antiques.

On the passing of her husband in 1982, Mrs. Prince assumed full responsibilities for these businesses, becoming the matriarch of both Loris and Cherry Grove. An ever-present figure in the community, she oversaw the reconstruction of Cherry Grove Pier after Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and was a partner in the development of Prince Resort at Cherry Grove Pier. Though she loved the business world, her devotion to her children, Loris United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church and other civic group activities were the cornerstone of her life.

Mrs. Prince was on the Board of Commissioners of Loris Healthcare and was instrumental in expansion to Seacoast Hospital in Little River. She continued her service on the Board of McLeod Healthcare System upon their acquisition of Loris Healthcare. She was also active in the Loris and North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. Whenever asked, Mrs. Prince never failed to make a contribution to her beloved Loris and Cherry Grove. Though humble, she was the recipient of many awards and recognition. Named North Myrtle Beach Business Person of the Year in 2004, she was recognized with a Loris Life Time Achievement Award in 2007, and The State of South Carolina Life Time Achievement Award in 2008 awarded by the State Senate.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband E.W. Prince Jr.; her brother, Edward C. Suggs; and in-laws Mildred (Russell) P. Brown, Ernestine (Ernest) P. Bailey, Elizabeth (Dick) P. Moody, Edna Earle (George) P. Wood and Milton Clemons.

Mrs. Prince is survived by her eldest son, Ed Prince III and his spouse Joanna, daughter Beth Gann and her husband Steven, and youngest son, Robert Naugher Prince and his spouse Steve Andrews. She was also blessed with numerous grandchildren, Edward Prince IV and his wife Jennifer, Whitney Prince and his wife Dani, Meagan Myrberg and her husband Christian, Matthew Gann, Brendan Gann, Caitlin Gann and Lilly Gann. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, E.J., Stella, Romie and Lucy, as well as two sisters-in-law, Rebecca J. Suggs and Virginia P. Clemons.

Funeral services will be held at Loris United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2019, with a celebration of life immediately following in the adjoining fellowship hall. A graveside service will be private.