Mary Chase Neuffer Ford

Mary Chase Neuffer Ford, 70, of Abbeville, died Thursday, February 29, 2024 at MUSC in Charleston, SC.  Born February 12, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Henry Happoldt Neuffer and Helen Chase Ladd Neuffer.  

Mary Chase was reared in Abbeville, SC, graduated from Abbeville High School, attended Erskine College and graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia.  As a student at USC, she served as a page for Senator Strom Thurmond.   Mary Chase lived in Columbia for several years following graduation.  During that time, she was employed with the Alston Wilkes Society.   Mary Chase relocated to her family home on North Main Street in Abbeville where she married and reared her children.

Her list of accomplishments reads like a testament to her unwavering dedication to serving her community.  She taught homebound instruction, volunteered for community projects and for three decades, served as the Director of the Abbeville Housing Authority, tirelessly working to improve the lives of those in need. 

Mary Chase found joy and fulfillment in various pursuits that enriched both her life and the lives of others.  As a member of the Abbeville Cookie Club, she cherished the bonds and friendships made.  Her involvement in the Rotary Club and as a longstanding Commissioner of the City of Abbeville Municipal Board of Elections showcased her commitment to civic duty and community.  Alongside her mother, Mary Chase played a major role in bringing the Abbeville Museum into existence.  Her memory will forever be treasured by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Edwin Ford, Jr.

Mary Chase is survived by her children, Edwin Hugh Ford, III of Abbeville and Helen Chase Ford of Columbia; brother, Henry Happoldt ‘Hap’ Neuffer and his wife, Holly, of Columbia; and numerous extended family and friends.  The family extends their sincere thanks to her close circle of friends, Arloa Marner, Patti Miller, Sally Freeman, Patrice Rosenberg, Paula Dorn and Katy Tilley for their love and support.

The family will receive friends, 2:00PM – 3:30PM, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Harris Funeral Home.  Funeral services will begin at 4:00PM in the Abbeville Presbyterian Church.  Burial will follow in Melrose Cemetery.

The family is at the home in Abbeville.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Mary Chase, may be sent to the Greater Abbeville Humane Society, Attn. Barbara Freese, 200 Greenville St., Abbeville, SC 29620 or UCMAC, PO Box 502, Abbeville, SC 29620.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Ford family.