Obituary – Merle Francine Frye – Benton

BENTON – Merle Francine Frye, 85, of Benton, died at 8:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 in the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 at Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser with the Rev. Eric Drake officiating. Her ashes will be buried at a later date.

Mrs. Frye was born on April 28, 1928 in Carbondale, the daughter of Glen and Lillian Hayse. She married Dewey Frye who preceded her in death.

She is survived by three children, James “Butch” Taylor, of Benton, and Linda Taylor Cockrum, of Sesser (children of the late James Taylor); and Darrel Bigham, of Sesser, (son of the late Jack Bigham); and daughter-in-law Jane Taylor. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Carmen Lampley, Marybelle Taylor and Katie Taylor and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Frye was preceded in death by her parents, by three sisters, Evelyn Hayse, Symantha Risley, Elizabeth McGhee, a brother, Buck Hayse, and a son-in-law Billy Cockrum. She was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law Bill Risley, Jim McGhee, Jack Taylor, Bobby Jo Taylor, Kenneth Lampley, Kenneth Sample, Frank Taylor, Donald Taylor, Curtis Frye, Jack Frye and by sister-in-law Mary Rowlett.

She was loved dearly and will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Research Down Syndrome, 180 West Adams, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60603.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, is in charge of arrangements.