Evelyn Frye

On September 17, 1931, Evelyn Frye (nee Howell) was born to Annie Ruth Howell-Parker and Spurgeon Howell in White Plains, Georgia, the second of three daughters.  Evelyn departed this life to join the Lord on February 11, 2026 at the age of 94.

At a young age, Evelyn moved with her family to Cincinnati, where she began building the foundation of a life centered on family and faith. She attended Sands Elementary and Cutter High School before pursuing tailoring classes at the University of Cincinnati. In her youth, Evelyn was known for her energetic and spunky spirit.

Evelyn united in marriage with Thomas Wesley Frye, Sr, and together they were blessed with eight children.  A gifted and talented seamstress, she lovingly made beautiful clothes for her daughters, stitching care and creativity into every piece. Her talent, warmth, and devotion to her family will always be remembered.

Evelyn was a dedicated and hardworking woman who always made sure her children and grandchildren were well cared for and provided for. She worked as a waitress at the Terrace Hilton Downtown and the Cincinnati Club, a private club, before beginning her career at General Hospital. She served in the dietary department and later transitioned into a nursing assistant role, where she faithfully worked in OB-GYN until her retirement.  After retiring, Evelyn continued her nurturing spirit by caring for children professionally from her home, extending her love to many families in the community.

A devoted Christian, Evelyn was baptized at an early age at New Prospect under Pastor Collins before joining New St. John Baptist Church on her Christian experience. Her faith was evident in her steady presence at Sunday School, worship services, bible study and church activities until declining health made attendance no longer possible.

Rarely did a church program take place without her there, and for many years she faithfully shared the weekly announcements and was an active member of the Missionary’s Club and Nurse’s Guild. Evelyn joyfully supported each event, frequently contributing one of her well-loved homemade desserts – especially 7Up pound cakes.

Evelyn will be remembered for the many things that made her uniquely her. She enjoyed watching Westerns and truly cherished her coffee. She expressed her creativity through making and collecting ceramics, her love of poetry, and her passion for cooking and baking. She took immense care in preparing Christmas dinner, staying up through the night to ensure every detail was perfect. Her door was always open, and everyone was welcome at her table. She possessed a rare ability to lift the spirits of those who lost their way, leaving them lighter, encouraged, and deeply cared for. Evelyn was the heart of the family – the glue that lovingly held the generations together.  A pillar in the Evanston Community, she will forever be known to those who loved her as Mom, Grandma, Big Momma, and Mama Frye.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents: Annie Ruth and Spurgeon, sisters: Dorothy Frye and Annie Pearl Gartrell, son: Michael Frye, daughter: Ruth Anne Frye-Terry, and dear friend: Henry Blunt.  Those who will continue to cherish her love and legacy include her children: Gail, Edna, Thomas (Ella), Ervin (Liz)Rene (Brenda), and Brian (Marcia); her 21 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and the many lives she touched.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her two daughters, Gail and Edna, whose unwavering love, patience, and dedication supported her faithfully throughout her health journey. Special thanks also to her niece, Wanda Frye-Husband, whose consistent calls, visits, and thoughtful meals were a true blessing to her and the family.

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