Phyllis Whitley Frye

Obituary: Phyllis Whitley Frye, 82, a life-long Kannapolis resident, went to be with the Lord at 8:05 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2017, at Tucker Hospice House following a short illness. Mrs. Frye was born on Sept. 9, 1934, in Rowan County. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Marguerite Whitley. Growing up in Kannapolis, Mrs. Frye was engrained in the local culture and history. She was a proud member of the first graduating class of A.L. Brown High School. She was also a longtime member Jackson Park Baptist Church, but later in life became a member of Central Baptist Church - both in Kannapolis. Throughout her life, Mrs. Frye worked inside the home to nurture her family and anyone who came through the always-open backdoor. She was known for her homemade sourdough bread and big southern meals. She was an avid reader who loved crossword puzzles, sewing quilts and sharing songs and stories from her childhood. During the Korean War, Mrs. Frye became pen pals with a soldier in the Army, James David Frye. They wrote each other for two years and met just 4 times before marrying in Kannapolis. Their love story lasted 44 years until he passed away on Aug. 23, 1996. Mrs. Frye is survived by daughters, Kimberly (Jeffrey) F. Hunter and Rita (Kenneth) F. Helms both of Kannapolis; son, David Ray Frye of Salisbury; 7 grandchildren, Chris Charles, Shelley Reeves, Wesley Frye, Matthew Charles, Dustin Frye, Stacey Little and Whitley Helms; 6 great grandchildren, Leah, Addison, Hannah, Claire, Waylon and Laila; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Frye is preceded in death by daughter, Deborah F. Charles. Visitation and Service: Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church followed by funeral services at 3:30 p.m. also at the church. Interment will follow in Carolina Memorial Park. The family will be at the Frye home the remainder of the week. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tucker Hospice House, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com. Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis, NC is serving the family.
Visitation: 1:30-3:30 PM Friday February 10, 2017 Central Baptist Church Kannapolis, NC

Service: 3:30 PM Friday February 10, 2017 Central Baptist Church

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis, NC