Carolyn Isabelle Fry, 85, of Wayne City, Illinois, passed away at 1:44 pm February 26, 2025 at Oakview Nursing Home in Mount Carmel, Illinois. She was born May 6, 1939 in Texico, Illinois to the late Reverend Lester and Bernice (King) Riley. Carolyn married William Charles “Bill” Fry on August 23, 1969 in Salem, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 7, 1998.
Carolyn is survived by her son, William Jeffrey Fry of Wayne City; daughter, Tami Boewe and husband, Mike of West Salem, Illinois; grandchildren, Brittny Sanders and Carter Jordan William Hutchcraft, both of Wayne City; siblings, Francis “Bud” Riley and wife, Nancy of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Bob Riley and wife, Carolyn of Bluford, Illinois, and Ilma Brown of Mount Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brother, Mick Riley.
Carolyn Isabelle Fry lived a humble and modest life with grace and dignity. Throughout her life, she wore many hats: Child of God, daughter, sister, Aunt Coty, wife, mother, mema, neighbor, and friend. No matter what hat she wore at any particular time, she wore it with strength and humility. She taught us that the two go hand in hand. She taught us to always show grace and kindness to everyone we meet, exemplifying the virtues of humility, compassion, selflessness, and grace. She taught us to have an understanding of the needs of others and a respect for the people from all walks of life. She approaches every situation with calmness, treating everyone with fairness and warmth and understanding that true strength lies in kindness. She was a quiet source of inspiration to others, not through grand gestures, but by living with integrity and love. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” She bore all that fruit throughout her daily life, leaving no doubt that she stood at the feet of Jesus hearing the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
A Visitation will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Archie Sanders Memorial Chapel in Wayne City, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.