Elaine Marie Frank

COLUMBIA - Elaine Frank went home to be with Jesus on Aug 12, 2016. Born on Jan 31, 1948, she was the daughter of Marshall and Persis Smith. Elaine was the loving wife of Dr. Robert L. Frank, and mother of Rebecca J. Morrison and mother-in-law of Wes Gravelle. She also is survived by siblings David Smith and Anne LeBlanc (Charles). Elaine was the loving grandmother of Steven J. Morrison, Micah Gravelle and Joshua Gravelle. Elaine graduated with honors from Murdock High School in Winchendon, Mass. and earned her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Arizona State University. She completed her Ph.D. degree at the University of South Carolina. Elaine worked in the communication disorders profession for over 35 years, including at Kapiolani Children’s Hospital in Hawaii, VA Medical Center in Columbia, S.C. and the University of South Carolina Communication and Science Disorders Department. She went on to chair this department and was awarded the title of Professor Emerita at her retirement. Among the many awards received, Elaine was inducted as a Fellow into the American Speech and Hearing Association and also received the Di Carlo award by the S.C. Speech and Hearing Association for contributing to the advancement of knowledge in clinical practice. Elaine had numerous research publications in aphasia, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Diseases. Elaine touched the lives of so many patients, students, colleagues and friends in such a positive way her influence will be felt for a life time. Elaine loved life to the fullest. She was a worldwide traveler, an avid Gamecock sports fan, loved her genealogy, was a voracious reader and enjoyed her book clubs and playing Mahjong. A memorial service honoring Elaine will be held at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 3p.m. Visitation will be held at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the USC Communication Sciences and Disorders Department – Keenan Building, 1224 Sumter Street, Suite 300 Columbia, SC 29201-3324. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.