Monte Sprouse Lancaster

Mrs. Monte Sprouse Lancaster, age 77, formerly of N. Mountain St., widow of Francis Lancaster, passed away Monday, November 14, 2016 at Union Medical Center. Mrs. Lancaster was born in Union, SC on September 3, 1939 a daughter of the late Herman L. Sprouse and Louise O'Shields Sprouse. She was a 1957 graduate of Union High School, one of her classmates called her the Lioness of the class, as she was always looking out for and keeping the group involved. Mrs. Lancaster also attended Winthrop College. She retired from Arthur State Bank after 53 years of service and had begun her career at Milliken & Co. Mrs. Lancaster was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder, a member of the Hand Bells Choir, a member of Circle #3, Women of the Church, and had previously worked with the Youth Group. She had served on the Hunger Action Team for Providence Presbytery. Mrs. Lancaster helped many brides by planning and directing their weddings, not only in First Presbyterian Church but in Churches throughout Upstate South Carolina. She was a former member of Financial Women International, an organization of women bank officers. She had served on the Union City Council, was a Past-President of the Union Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Union County Historical Society, the Union County Arts Council, a sustainer of the Union Junior Charity League and was previously treasurer of Meals on Wheels. Mrs. Lancaster taught dance in her sister's studio for many years and instructed many cotillions in the Waltz. She was involved in several Boogaloo productions. Surviving are one sister, Mary S. Melvin of Spartanburg; a special niece, Beth Wilson and husband A.D. of Greer; a special nephew, Barry Medford and wife LouAnn of Union; dear friends Ola Jean Kelly, JoAnne Sweat, Linda and Cris Crissinger and many other close friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 17, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church conducted by the Rev. Sanders Reid and Mrs. Ola Jean Kelly. Burial will follow at Grace United Methodist Church Cemetery. The Union High School Class of 1957 and past and present employees of Arthur State Bank are asked to sit in a group. Visitation will be held 5:00 until 7:00 PM Wednesday evening at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 951, Union, SC 29379 or First Presbyterian Church 101 W. South St., Union, SC 29379. The family will be at the home 216 N. Mountain St., Union, SC 29379.