Melissa Paige Bouknight Frierson, 63, of Lexington, SC, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024. Born on November 29, 1961, to Willie Ray Bouknight and Elizabeth “Lib” Corley Bouknight, Paige was a devoted wife and a loving mother.
Paige was born and raised in Lexington, SC, and attended Lexington High School, where she was actively involved throughout her four years. She served as Senior Class President for the Class of 1980, held a Junior Class Officer position, contributed to the Wildcat (school newspaper) staff, and was an officer in the Honor Society. Paige was on the LHS Cheerleading Team throughout high school. Paige was a recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizen Award, and the James F. Byrnes Scholarship. A proud graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Education, she was a cherished Alpha Delta Pi Sorority member.
Her love extended beyond her own children to the countless students she nurtured and the friendships she cultivated during her career at Pineview Elementary and later at Satchel Ford Elementary school. Paige was a lifelong active member of the Lutheran Church. She was an avid South Carolina football fan, passionately supporting her beloved Gamecock football teams at home and on the road.
After retiring to Pawley’s Island, SC, Paige delighted in hosting friends and family. Her kindness, positivity, and vibrant spirit inspired all who knew her, and she will be forever missed. No words can fully capture the impact and light that Paige carried with her throughout her life.
Paige is survived by her devoted husband, Blane Hylton; her son, Ray Frierson, and wife Katherine; her daughter, Corley Frierson; her sister, Libby Ray Berry, and husband Randy; her brother, Steve “Baukie” Bouknight, and wife Martha; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. Paige was preceded in death by her father, mother, and her late beloved husband of 24 years, Frank Frierson.
The funeral service will be held at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Lexington, SC, on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation immediately following the service in the Social Hall.
Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church Building Maintenance Fund, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC, and Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church, Murrells Inlet, SC.
