Mildred Grymes Frye's Obituary
Mildred Carver Grymes was born on April 22, 1935, to Ashton and Jessie Grymes in Washington, D.C. She grew up in the city with her brother, Richard, and her childhood friend, Martha, a friendship that lasted a lifetime. Mildred attended local schools and graduated in 1953 from Theodore Roosevelt High School. After graduation, she began her college education at George Washington University, majoring in history, and earning her master’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Years later, she met Herbert Frye, on a blind date. They courted, married, and settled in Temple Hills, Maryland where Paul, Teresa, Herbie, and Richard were born. Outgrowing this home, they purchased a larger one in Brandywine, Maryland, where Shelley and Steven were born.
Settling in this small town and raising their family, Mildred and Herbert became active in the local Democratic Club, making lifetime friendships. Mildred kept their children busy with the local majorette/color guard core, athletic clubs, local church and Awana groups, while she volunteered and continued to pursue her education.
Eventually, she became employed with the Prince George’s County Government, working within agencies where she was instrumental in helping people, receiving an award for her unselfish service and dedication to the citizens of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
After retiring, she substituted for many years at Gwynn Park and Frederick Douglas High School. She cheered on the basketball and football teams and was instrumental in raising money for football uniforms.
Although Mildred’s life was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she still enjoyed many things. She was an avid reader of books and The Washington Post. In nice weather, she liked reading outdoors surrounded by her flowers and songbirds. She loved all things bright and beautiful. She loved cooking, preparing homemade meals, before settling in for Jeopardy or rooting for the Washington Redskins. She was a fan of Elvis Presley.
Mildred was active in her community for decades, volunteering with the American Legion, Post 227, and Friends of the Baden Library, among others. She was a member of the Brandywine-North Keys Civic Association and the King George County Historical Society, a testament to her parents, who were born and raised in King George, Virginia.
Annually, she donated to the Central Union Mission, the Salvation Army, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. These non-profits were near and dear to her heart.
All that knew Mildred will surely miss her. She touched many lives. She was a genuine, caring person, who helped make our world a kinder place.
Mildred was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, in early November 2023.
She is survived by her children: Paul, Teresa, Richard and Shelley, and her brother, Richard Grymes. She was predeceased by her sons, Steven, and Herbie.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
Our mom’s legacy “giving all to help all.”
Family will receive friends at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, 211 St. Mary’s Avenue, La Plata, Maryland on January 2, 2024, with interment following at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Maryland. The family invites you to The American Legion, Post 227, Brandywine, Maryland, for the repast.
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