Lucy Rumph Doyle

Lucy Rumph Doyle, cherished wife of James Kenneth Doyle for 72 years, was the heart and soul of our family and she spent her life taking care of all of us, and putting everyone else first, always.  She passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023, with her husband by her side, holding her hand. 

Lucy, known to many as “Lucy Rae”, was born on the Sandridge, in Dorchester County, on March 28, 1931, to Bob Perry and Annie Rumph. 

She attended St. George public schools, graduating from the first 12th grade class.  Her strong work ethic was evident even as a teenager.  Throughout her life she worked a variety of jobs in St. George such as “soda jerk” as a teenager, clerical jobs at many local businesses, and worked at a florist which complimented her life-long love of flowers.  She retired from the Charleston Air Force Base.  

Lucy married her devoted husband, Kenneth, in 1951 and they had two children, Vonnie Shieder and Nancy Wicker Kirby. 

Lucy loved taking care of others.  She was patient, optimistic, and unfailingly kind.  She loved to feed her extended family and was a fabulous cook.  Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren cherish her many recipes and hope to one day execute them as perfectly as “Granny” did. 

Lucy not only raised her children, she played a significant role in the rearing of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was an avid player of board games and cards and entertained three generations playing endless hours.  We feel so fortunate that three generations have experienced her selfless love and devotion and that we all had many years with her so that her goodness is eternally an example that we can all remember, call upon, and strive to attain. 

Lucy loved music, all animals, babies, and the elderly.  Throughout her life she had a number of unique pets, including an alligator and a pair of racoons.

She loved Campmeeting at Indian Field and attended faithfully all but a handful of her 92 years.

Lucy also loved her community.  She was a faithful member of Old St. George Baptist Church for over 70 years.  Throughout her many years there she participated in many groups including as leader of the YWAs, member of the prayer group, and as nursery coordinator for many years.

She was charter member of the Dorchester Chapter NSDAR.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mae Rumph McCants, two brothers, BP Rumph Jr., and Marion Rumph, two nephews, Mac Rumph and Bobby Rumph, and two nieces, Barbara Jean Brown and Dianne Hancock. 

Lucy is survived by her loving and devoted husband, James Kenneth Doyle; children Vonnie Shieder (Lynwood) and Nancy Wicker Kirby (Joe), grandchildren Brandy Shieder Kirkland (Chuck), Tiffany Shieder, Chase Shieder (Rudy Bertile), and Samantha Freeman (Tim); and four great-grandchildren:  Alex and Jill Kirkland, Stephen Kovaz, and Ava Lucy Freeman.  She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank Caregivers Mary, Angie, Leslie, and Rosetta, as well as her Amedysis Hospice team, for their loving care and support.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, May 1, 2023, at Old St. George Baptist Church with the Rev. James Way officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends an hour before the service in the church. 

Memorials may be made to Old St. George Baptist Church, 509 Old St. George Road, St. George, SC 29477. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lucy Rumph Doyle, please visit our floral store.