Erma Faye Frederick
April 7, 1932 – May 4, 2025
Faye Frederick passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025. Faye was a devoted wife, sister, aunt and friend, remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit and unwavering warmth. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Johnny Frederick; her parents, Thelma Edmundson Harrell and Mayo Harrell; her sisters Nina Belle Harrell and Marguerite Harrell Grant (Walter); her brothers Bo Harrell; BM Harrell; Gene Harrell; and her brother in, law Bill Thomas.
She is survived by her loving identical twin sister, Lois Mae Thomas of Hampton, VA, and her brothers Kenneth Harrell (Joyce) of Bear Grass, NC; Carl Harrell (Judy) of Mechanicsville, VA; Jerry Harrell (Carolyn) of Bear Grass, NC as well as her sisters in law, Shirley Harrell of Hampton, VA and Liz Harrell of Bear Grass, NC.
Faye was born on April 7, 1932. She grew up on a farm in Oak City, NC where she worked hard and enjoyed a childhood with 9 siblings. As an identical twin in a large family, she and her sister, Lois Mae, were often confused. Her father, Mayo, would call for them as “one of the Fayes” when he beckoned. Upon graduation from Oak City High School, she set out for adventure. Faye moved to Durham, NC, was employed by Lucky Strike Tobacco and enjoyed city life. She soon moved to Newport News, VA where she met her husband. She worked for Coates & Clark, and later retired from the Shipyard. Aunt Faye would travel to Oak City each Christmas and Easter, where she would reconnect with family, share gifts and hide Easter eggs for her nieces and nephews. She was infamous for taking bad photos, as she always had a finger in front of the lens! She was gregarious and engaging.
The family would like to extend a tremendous thank you to her devoted caregivers, Sharon Bartlett, Chauncey Muldrow, Bria Bartlett and Jonette Brunson for their unmatched service, care and patience. They have become a second family. Their loving oversight and assistance allowed Faye to live with her sister Lois during her final years, where the “The Fayes” could share their home once again.
A graveside service will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, in Newport News on Monday, May 12 at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a non-profit that has meaning to you in her honor, or practice a random act of kindness.
2 Comments
I am very heartbroken to hear about faye’s passing. She was like a 2nd mom to me. Faye and Johnny were so good to my mother. Faye was generous, caring, sweet and a loving lady. She was my neighbor for most of my life. I hope that Lois knows that Faye is in God’s arms free from sickness and harm now. Faye you will always be remembered by me.
I wish I could be at your funeral today, unfortunately my brother is in need of me today. From the entire Bryant family, we give our sincere condolence to your family.
From James and Cece on Orcutt Avenue. We are so sad to hear of Ms. Faye passing. We live across the street from her on Orcutt Avenue and at Christmas, she would always tell us how beautiful the decorations were in the yard. Very kind and loving neighbor you were Ms. Faye. If we had know before today, we would have attended your service. RIH Ms. Fay James & Cece your neighbors.