Brenda Abernathy Frye
April 14, 1946 ~ April 1, 2023
Brenda Abernathy Frye, beloved Moore County Schools teacher and coach went to be with her Lord April 1, passing peacefully in her sleep.
An inspiration to students for 25 years, and Pinelake residents for 20, she bravely suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for three decades.
Born in Elkin April 14, 1946 Brenda was an all-conference performer starring in basketball at Southern Alamance.
She was preceded in death by her parents, R.H. and Margaret Abernathy, and by her brother-in-law John T. Jones.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 53 years, John; children Jane Graham (Doug), Atlanta, GA; Jon S. Frye, Jr. (Jay), Asheville; eight grandchildren: Christopher Graham, Aurora, CO, Nicole Graham, Honolulu, HI, Will Hart of the home, Jada Harrington, Bedford, TX, Jon S. Frye III (Jack), Jaaron Frye, Jace Frye, Jaylen Frye of Asheville; sister Carolyn Jones, niece Angela Lawrence, nephew Christopher Jones of Shallotte.
Brenda is a 1964 graduate of Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Elementary and Health and Physical Education.
After teaching one year in Guilford County, she taught health, science, and physical education for 24 years in Moore County at Vass-Lakeview Elementary School. Enjoying excellence in both the classroom and in athletic arenas she coached championship teams in basketball, track & field, volleyball, softball, and tennis providing numerous players who starred at Union Pines High School. She also served her school several years as assistant principal.
Brenda excelled in volleyball playing with Southern Pines Recreation, and delighted with Jane and Jay’s athletic successes. Both hold numerous records at the high school.
Musically gifted, Brenda played clarinet in her high school band, loved dancing, and sang at her friends’ weddings.
With deep spiritual convictions, the best part of her day was Bible reading, quoting scriptures, and contemplating God’s word. She served her church as a Sunday School teacher and later at Pinelake, ministering for two decades, though confined to a wheelchair, she was an inspiration traveling door to door sharing Christ’s love and His message of salvation.
An avid fisherman, Brenda loved vacationing at Ocean Isle with John and Carolyn, collecting shells and painting Christmas ornaments.
A 2013 Union Pines Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Brenda is loved by hundreds of admirers from whom: “The tear falls unbidden
And round it we trace
The tracks of her beauty
Her goodness, her grace.”
The family thanks Pinelake for its excellence, the facility for two decades Brenda’s family. We’re grateful also for the love and loyalty of caregivers: Alice Craig, Goldine Dailey, Ella Ross, Cloy Patterson, Vickie Blue, Tammy Dunn, Linda Grissom, Joyce Taylor, Carol Deese, Mary Lou Matthews, Teresa Tutor, Cynthia Holder, Katie Frye, Michelle Lassiter, Kelly Taylor, Tammy Allen, Asheley Allred, Mary Jane Grimm, J.D. and Judy Blue, Grace Evans, Mark Fry, and Pam Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
National Headquarters 6520 N. Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132.
A memorial service will be held at Victory Community Baptist Church, 915 Brinkley Road, Carthage, NC, at 11am on Monday April 10, 2023. The family will receive friends starting at 10 am. There will be a graveside service to follow at Cross Hill Cemetery in Carthage.
Online condolences may be offered at www.PinesFunerals.com.
Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Frye family.
Services
Visitation: April 10, 2023 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Victory Community Baptist Church
915 Brinkley Road
Carthage, NC 28327
910-947-2177
Memorial Service: April 10, 2023 11:00 am
Victory Community Baptist Church
915 Brinkley Road
Carthage, NC 28327
910-947-2177
John and family,
Brenda will have a new body without pain or limits. She was a sweet lady, I first met her when my Mom was in the same nursing home. I fondly called her my Duke buddy. May God give you that peace that only He can.
Sincerely,
Pat
Dear John, Jerry and I are so sorry about Brenda. I remember sitting with her at the softball games while you and Jerry played. She was a wonderful Christian lady. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family. With much love, Jerry and Sharon Simpson
Our prayers are with you John and all the family during the passing of Brenda. May God continue to comfort you with His presence and love.
John,Jane and Jay,
We are so very sorry to hear about Brenda. She was such a special part of the our girls lives.Wonderful memories. Danny and Pat Caviness
John I am so sorry for your loss of Brenda. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jean
John, Jane, and Jay,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Brenda was one of the kindest people I ever met. My prayer is that God will wrap his loving arms around you and hold you tight in the days ahead.
Love and Prayers,
John 11:25 . Gods peace, love and comfort to family
Hope Nobles
My deepest sympathy for you and your family. I will miss Brenda greatly.
She was a wonderful lady. I enjoyed the times that we spent look at the leafs, take her home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The past January hearing her sing happy birthday to me.She will be missed so much.
John you and Brenda and the kids are very dear to me I spent many years getting to know Brenda we laughed and we cried together I understood her better than the other CNA she just wanted things the way she would’ve done things when she could. I loved her she was more than a patient she was my friend I loved her very much RIP my friend. Every time I go to the beach I will think of you because the beach became mine and her happy place
I work for Express medical transport out of Pinehurst, I picked Ms Brenda up took her to her doctor’s appointments or dentist appointments. I’ve even took her out to look at the fall leaves, pick her up at peak took her home for Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Miss Brenda you have a glorified body you don’t have no aches and pains and you’ll never grow old, now you’ll be able to go to the beach, I love you and I will miss you.
John and family, I am so very sad to hear this news . She was an amazing woman and loved by many . She will be missed so very much and she was such an inspiration to so many residents at Pinelake.
John, Jane, Jay, and Will. Our family sends our love to you at this sad time of losing Brenda. She was an inspiration on this earth. The Pettit family, Phyllis, Don, Donna, and Tammy
With my deepest sympathy I’m sorry for your loss. Mrs. Frye was a wonderful teacher and coach and will be greatly missed by all who knew her and was influenced by her teaching and guidance during our lives as children and adults. You will be forever missed. Thank you for being a guidance in my own life. The family is forever in my heart and prayers.
Coach Frye, Jane, Jon and family,
Kim and I are grieved for you all in your loss of Brenda. A kind lady with a competitive spirit I admired. She always had a kind word to say when we visited her. Most impressed with her daily proclamation of Jesus on a daily basis to patients at Pinelake and her witness to us. Devoted to her family. Coach is to be commended for being devoted to her care. A cherished friend. She will be missed. May God cradle you all in His loving arms in your grief and in the days to come. We love you. Kim and Bruce Williams
John and family,
Brenda was such an influence in my life. She was always kind and caring. She made learning fun! She had such a gift! Thank you for sharing her. You are all in my prayers, Michele Nesbitt
Mr. Frye and family, we were all so sad to hear about Mrs. Frye,
Praying for God’s peace for you and the family.
She sounds like a wonderful lady.
Sincere sympathy,
Eddie and Vetres Livengood and family
To: Big John and family,
From: Lin from Pinelake
I only knew Mrs. Frye for a short while, but she treated me like she had known me since I was a child. She was a very special person who touched my heart. And to see her and Big John together was something truly spectacular to see. Thank you Big for showing me and many others what true love looks like. I’m glad I was able to meet you and Mrs. Frye. God Bless you and your beautiful family.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the entire Frye family for your loss.
Dear John and family,
Upon learning of Brenda’s passing, her favorite song “In The Garden” came to mind. Now Brenda is truly walking and talking with the Lord. When we had the services at Pinelake/Peak this was the song she always requested. She was such a faithful witness for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We always saw her with her Sunday School book going around to share with the other residents.
You are all in our prayers. We are thankful for the hope we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We don’t have to grieve as those who have no hope. We know we will see her and all of our loved ones again. God bless you all, Love, in Christ, Bill and Jayrene
Sympathy and prayers to entire family for your loss ❤️🙏
Praying for the fry family Mrs fry was my fourth grade teacher. She will truly be missed.God bless the family.
Praying for you all. God bless each of you.
John and Family, I am so sorry about Brenda’s passing. Indeed, she was a beautiful person in so many ways and a very positive influence on those who knew her. I’ve always had tremendous respect for you and your family. I celebrate her spiritual faith at this time, but I know, also, the deep sadness you feel as you adjust to life without her. I pray God’s nurturing presence in your life as you face tomorrow.
Mr. Frye,
My sincere condolences to you and the family. Mrs. Frye was truly a sweetheart with such a kind soul. Her memory will live on with all of us from Vass-Lakeview.
Mr. Frye, Jane and Jay,
Mrs. Frye brought so much joy to so many people. She was so patient with us – a wonderful teacher, coach and role model for us young girls. She made things so much fun. I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m thinking of your family.
Mr. Frye,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Frye. She was my science teacher and cheerleading coach at Vass-Lakeview Elementary School. She has always had a special place in my heart and always will. I will be praying for you and your family.
John, Jane, Jay, and Will,
My heart goes out to you all. I will miss Brenda’s infectious laughter, positive spirit and her unique ability to make you feel special. You are in my thoughts and prayers.