Mary J. Frye, 75, of East Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 10, 2019 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 5, 1943 in Sevierville, Tennessee to Clarence and Edna (King) Fancher. She married Donald Bruce Frye on January 26, 1963 in Sevierville, Tennessee. He preceded her in death on January 6, 1991 in Metamora, Illinois. She later married Jerry Howell February 14, 1998 in Washington, Illinois. He preceded her in death on February 24, 2004 in Peoria, Illinois.
Mary is survived by four children, Laureen (Anthony) Perkins of East Peoria, Illinois, Michael (Terri) Frye of Morton, Illinois, Jody (Brian) Kenyon of Knoxville, Tennessee and Melinda (Reed) Cooling of East Peoria, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Brandon Kenyon, Daniel (Brittany) Huling, Abby Frye, Erika Frye, Brianna Kenyon, David Perkins, Savanna Cooling and Rhett Cooling; two great grandchildren, Greyson and Saylor Kenyon; one brother, Charles (Gail) Fancher of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; two sisters, JoAnne (James W.) Whaley of Sevierville, Tennessee and Nancy Hamrick of Cedartown, Georgia. She has many nieces and nephews.
Mary worked for many years as an administrative assistant at Bay View Baptist Church and later at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. She was an accomplished pianist and always enjoyed working in her yard. She loved being with her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Bay View Baptist Church since 1967.
The family appreciates the excellent care of Dr. Frances Geoffroy, Illinois Cancer Care and OSF Hospice.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Bay View Baptist Church. The Rev. Keith Thibo will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday at Remmert Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Memorials may be made to Bay View Baptist Church or to Illinois Cancer Care. You may create an online condolence at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com.
