Ella Mae (Purser) Frieze

Ella Mae “Ellie” Purser Frieze, 79, of Kannapolis, passed away Sunday evening, May 29, 2022, at Tucker Hospice House.

Born March 24, 1943, in Union County, she was a daughter of the late Howard Lee and Mae Bell Sutton Purser.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Harvey, Jimmy, and Johnny Purser, and an infant brother.

Earlier in life, Ellie worked for Cannon Mills, later owning and operating Ellie’s Barbeque for more than 20 years. Mrs. Frieze loved all of her family, especially her grandbabies. She loved to cook, enjoyed the beach, riding horses and had a wonderful sense of humor.  She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Loving family members include her sons, Terry Frieze (Andrea) and Brian Frieze (Jennifer); her much loved fiancé, David Lee Graham; sister, Wanda Purser James; her grandchildren, Autumn, Nathan, Austin, Bryson and Bella Rae Frieze, Nick Brooks and Ashli Duryea, her great-grandchildren, Teralyn Ella Bagley and Samuel Christopher Gibson, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 pm Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Whitley’s Funeral Home.  Funeral services to remember Mrs. Frieze will begin at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel, conducted by Pastor Jeff James, Village Chapel.  Burial will follow the service at Carolina Memorial Park.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.