Lori McFadden Gunther, 63, of Charleston, South Carolina, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, “Gigi”, and “Lolo”, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026. A woman whose life was defined by an unmatched love for her family and a profound bond with those she held dear, Lori leaves behind a legacy of kindness and deep emotional connection.

Born on January 22, 1963, in Lancaster, SC, Lori was the daughter of Martha Adams McFadden and Thomas McFadden. She was a pillar of her community, serving for 23 years at First Baptist Church School. During her tenure there, she touched the lives of countless students and staff members with her warm spirit. Following her retirement from First Baptist, she was extremely proud to work alongside her son, Heath, at McFadden Pest Control, the company her father founded in 1978.

While Lori was a wonderful wife, and an even better mom, she truly excelled at being a grandmother. She was the best “Gigi” to Charlie, Henry, and William, and was affectionately known as “Lolo” to Emerson, her great-niece. She especially cherished her son, Heath, and her niece, Graysen, who was like the daughter she never had. Her love for her family was a profound, unmatched bond. Lori always cheered loudly for her South Carolina Gamecocks. She valued her many long-term friendships and was happiest when spending quality time with her family and friends. Her capacity to love was not just a trait, but the very essence of who she was to everyone who knew her.

Lori is survived by her husband of 41 years, Paul Gunther; son, M. Heath Gunther and his wife, Elizabeth; grandchildren: Charlie, Henry, and William Gunther; parents, Martha and Thomas McFadden; sister, Rhonda Epper (Jim); niece, Graysen Murphy (Andrew), and their daughter Emerson Murphy.

Lori is preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Alonzo and Constance Gunther.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 in the afternoon on Friday, May 22nd at John Wesley United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CureLGMD2i Foundation. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.