Katie Frye

FRYE, Ms. Katie Iva - Age 95, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at her residence. Family hour 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2011 at Southeast Christian Apostolic Church, 4171 Lapeer Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30 a.m. Friday. Ms. Frye will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 3-8p.m. Wednesday and 10–8p.m. Thursday. Ms. Katie Iva Frye was born April 6, 1915 in Gilmer, TX, the daughter of the late Whitman Gardner, Sr. and Ira Montgomery. Katie was educated in the Upshur County Public Schools in Gilmer, Texas. Katie relocated to Flint, Michigan in the 1930’s, where she worked at General Motors during the World War II. After which, she attended Madam CJ Walker School of Beauty, where she earned her certificate to become a Licensed Beautician. Katie worked as a Beautician for over 40 years. She owned and operated her own beauty salon, “Katie’s Beauty Nook”. She married and divorced William Bodie. She also married and divorced Veo Frye in November 1953. While Katie never had any children of her own, she was like a mother to all who knew and loved her. Katie loved to travel, and was considered a well, “seasoned” traveler. Her nicknamed was Go-Go Katie. She visited countries and cities all over the world. Katie was known as one of the first blacks in the region to travel via airplane in 1946. She spent a month in Europe visiting Venice, Italy, Paris, France, Switzerland, Amsterdam and Germany. Katie rode donkeys in Egypt, North Africa. She visited the Middle East and toured Jerusalem, Jordan, Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea Scrolls, Garden of Gethsemane and spoke in tongues at the location of the Last Supper. Katie traveled to Alaska, Jamaica, and Hawaii and visited Pike’s Peak and Buffalo Bill’s grave in Colorado. This is just to name a few! She loved taking pictures. Katie took her camera everywhere until she was about 90 years old when her camera stop working. She attended Bethlehem Temple Church in Flint, MI and later became an active member at Southeast Christian Church in Burton, MI, where she served as a member of the Usher board, Choir, Sick committee and as a Sunday school teacher. Katie was a faithful member of the Northern District Council of the State of Michigan and the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. She loved the Lord and served with a generous heart full of joy and commitment. Her loving spirit touched the lives of many. You could count on Katie to be present at every event. On March 12, 2011, God who does all things well and complete, allowed Katie to rest from her earthly journey until he returns. Left to cherish her precious memories: 3 brothers, R.Q. Gardner, Whitman (Velma) Gardner, Jr. all of Dallas, TX; sisters-in-law, Dora Gardner (wife of deceased brother, Heurece), Tommie Gardner (wife of deceased brother, Thurman) of Dallas, TX; special cousins, Joanne Montgomery Lewis of Flint, Brett (LaTonda) Anderson of Grand Blanc, MI, Dorothy Webster of Texas, Isaiah (Velton) Byrd of Tennessee and Alverse Gardner of CA; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends including special friends, Willa Daniels, Anita Johnson and Rita Washington (the twins), Steverna Kelly, Geraldine Feaster, Sheila Feaster and Charles Anderson all of Flint. Katie was preceded in death by her father, Whitman Gardner, Sr.; mother Ira Montgomery; 3 sisters, Mary Pierson, Flossie Moore and Esther Tyiska; 3 brothers, Huerece Gardner, Dillard Gardner, Thurman Gardner and paternal grandparents, Isaiah (Dealie) Garnder. The family would like to express special thanks to: Dr. William Bernard and special caregivers, Vickie Helena JonShirley Marsh, Lucy Hicks, Yvette Lovey Harris, Armilda “Chic” Clark and Sylvia Harris.

Katie Frye

April 6, 1915 - March 12, 2011