Mary "Frankie" (Prox) O'Donnell

Mary Prox Hein O’Donnell, lovingly known as “Frankie,” was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who passed away surrounded by the love of her family on August 1, 2026. Born in 1948 in Conway, South Carolina, Frankie was the cherished daughter of Esther and Frank Prox of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

A proud daughter of Murrells Inlet, Frankie treasured her childhood on the creek. Some of her happiest memories were made swimming in the saltwater, crabbing, and fishing, and embracing the simple joys of growing up in the place she always called home. Her love for Murrells Inlet remained with her throughout her life.

Frankie was a proud and devoted member of Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet, where she and Mike were united in marriage 26 years ago.

Frankie enjoyed a long and respected career as a paralegal with Kelaher, Connell, and Connor, P.C. The friendships she built there lasted far beyond her working years, and she looked forward each year to the firm’s annual Christmas party, where she delighted in reconnecting with the coworkers who had become like family.

Frankie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. She never met a stranger and treasured the countless friendships she made throughout her life. She loved to travel, gather with family and friends, and dance the Carolina shag whenever she had the chance. Frankie was a past member of the South Strand Shag Club, where she not only enjoyed dancing but also taught lessons alongside Mike to future shag dancers. Her warmth, quick smile, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Hein of Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

Frankie is survived by her devoted husband of 26 years, Mike O’Donnell; her loving children, Curt Hein (Ashley) of Surfside Beach, South Carolina; Angela Sawadske (Jason) of James Island, South Carolina; Jessica O’Donnell Sasser (Craig) of Georgetown, South Carolina; Lauren Hendricks (Shelley) of Conway, South Carolina; and Chelsea O’Donnell Chiles (Chris) of Huntington, West Virginia.

She is also survived by her loving siblings, Dale Prox (Kim) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; Tina Lane (Joe) of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; and Renee Dishong (Doug) of Gallivants Ferry, South Carolina, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Marshall Sasser, John Henry Sasser, Joshua Hein, Nina Hein, Noah Hein, Maesa Sawadske, Jace Sawadske, Campbell Chiles, and Caroline Chiles. They were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Frankie’s legacy is one of kindness, resilience, generosity, and love. She taught those around her to cherish family, nurture lifelong friendships, find joy in everyday moments, and never pass up the opportunity to dance. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

The family would also like to acknowledge their deep appreciation for her companion, Erika, and her hospice nurse, Paige, who were instrumental in Frankie’s care and well-being as she valiantly battled Parkinson’s disease.

Her loving husband, Mike, leaves her with these simple words: “Save the last dance for me.”

A Celebration of Frankie's life will be held on Saturday August 15, 2026 at 11am at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends from 10am until the time of service. A Private Graveside Service will be held within Belin UMC Cemetery and the family will continue to greet friends for refreshments within the Family Life Center at Belin UMC, 4182 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 from 12:30pm until 2pm.

In lieu of flowers the family asks you to  consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation and/or The Systemic JIA Foundation 220 Valencia Drive, Los Altos, CA 94022.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.