Obituary for Brenda Abernathy Frye

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. 

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