Obituary – Denise “Dee” Fryar – Benton, IL

BENTON — Denise “Dee” Fryar, 45, was peacefully received into the arms of her loving Savior at 10:35 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, surrounded by her family and friends.

In the words of her husband, Terry about Dee, “After a cancer diagnosis in May, she fought very hard, but could not recover. She is now healed permanently and will be missed by so many people. I was privileged to be with her for 30 years and she was the finest woman I have ever known. She leaves behind a husband, daughter, sister, brother, and mom and stepdad along with countless friends who will miss her so very much. We are so very grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support from all of you. Please continue to pray for the family as we will be struggling for quite some time to come. Thank you Lord Jesus for allowing us to have such a precious gift on this earth for 45 years! Denise, we love you so much and will miss you, but enjoy the family and friends who now surround you, and we will see you soon!”

Denise was born Oct. 22, 1970, in Evergreen Park. Mrs. Fryar sold Avon for 25 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. She had worked for several businesses in Benton, and was a substitute teacher.

Mrs. Fryar is survived by her husband, Terry Fryar of Benton; daughter, Josie Fryar of Benton; mother and stepfather, Laurie and Albert Smith of Benton; sister, Debbie McMahon and husband, Phil, of Benton; brother, Jeff Clark and Adena Bowlin of Benton; nieces, Caitlin Melton and Brooklyn McMahon; nephews, Jordan McMahon and Ian McMahon; mother-in-law, Rosalie Fryar of Mount Vernon; very special friend, Debbie Crawford of West Frankfort; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mrs. Fryar was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Billy Dave Fryar.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, in Whittington Church, with the Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Josie Fryar Educational Fund, and will be accepted at the church, or at any State Bank of Whittington location.

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

For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.