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GLADYS-MARIE FRY Obituary
Dr. GLADYS-MARIE FRY (Age 84)
Died November 7 2015, Professor Emerita at University of Maryland, author and Smith-sonian guest curator, she was a leading authority on African American folklore celebrated for landmark research on quilts. Daughter of noted architect, Louis Fry, Sr., she is survived by nieces Dr. Vicki-Lynn Holmes (Anthony) and A'Lexa Genelle Hawkins (Robert), and nephew Louis E. Fry, III (Cora). Memorial November 28, 1 to 3 p.m.at McGuire Funeral Home, Georgia Ave., DC. Donations to Smithsonian Museum.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GLADYS-MARIE FRY
Sponsored by Quilting Friends of Dr. Fry.
Dr. Kevin Christian
December 16, 2019
Dr. Gladys Marie Fry was a dear friend and mentor to me and so many others. She and I took at trip to Kansas State University in 2011 and had a fantastic time. She was instrumental in helping me finish my doctorate. To Mrs. Mary Fry - Moore, if you receive this message, would you contact me directly, [email protected] or 301.943.3045. Thank you for your consideration. Dr. Gladys Fry, your memory will live with me forever. God Bless you!
Fannie Murdock
December 15, 2019
I am so happy that I have found these books by Marie Fry. I am a Black Quilter also. It is just so nice to find books about other black women who quilt.
Mary Fry-Moore
November 9, 2019
I miss Cousin Gladys, she was the daughter of my Fathers only brother. So glad I visited her and her family years ago in Washington, DC.
Sherry Weaver
March 7, 2018
I just learned that Dr. Fry passed away. I was a mature student in one of her folklore classes, and I liked and respected her so much. Occasionally, I would run into her at the supermarket in Silver Spring, and she was always so warm and gracious. She was a special woman. May she Rest In Peace.
Marie Butler
October 6, 2017
Great lady with a true purpose. I am looking for a copy of Ms. Fry's book titled, Broken Star: Post Civil war Quilts Made by Black Women." I am working on my thesis which is about how African American women have used textiles to tell stories and make social statements. If you know how I can obtain a copy of Ms. Fry's book, please let me know.
Ann J Lemon
August 14, 2016
I just learned that Dr. Fry has passed, and I am just beginning to know her work. I look forward to the journey of digesting all that she wished to share
June 30, 2016
Thank you,Dr. Fry, forhelping me to appreciate the wisdom and strength of ordinary Black women.
Lena Ampadu
Jerome Gray
May 9, 2016
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Dr.Gladys-Marie Fry! She was a dedcaite lady reference African Americans Quilts. I will miss her! Jerome C. Gray T/A Art Sensation
Barbara Wallace
April 27, 2016
We lost a great treasure.
Betty Taylor -Thompson
April 21, 2016
I just learned that Dr. Frye passed. Her work was monumental.
Kevin Christian
April 1, 2016
Dr. Fry - May your beautiful soul and spirit rest in peace. I fondly remember our trip to Kansas State University in 2011. Thank you for you wisdom and calm spirit. God Bless You Always.
barbara
January 13, 2016
She contributed to the history of women that made wonderful quilts -- we are fortunate that she recorded that history. -- barbara judge
Jennifer Sweeney
January 3, 2016
She called us "sisters of the soul", and I treasured the long conversations we shared about our mutual love of art and folklore. I will miss my friend and my encourager...my Barnabas. I know she is saving my place.
My Grand Fathers Jeans
Sandra Johnson
December 22, 2015
I am so proud to be a African American women who loves to design, teach, and quilt all day long.
James Sledge
December 15, 2015
I was truly saddened to learn of the transition of Dr. Fry. I found her to be a kind and gentle soul who unselfishly shared her love of learning, of culture and of people. One of my fondest memories was spending time with her at an art exhibit as she shared her broad and extensive knowledge of the artist and his experiences as we sought to interpret each of his works. She was quick witted and always made me laugh...a loving soul whom I feel blessed to have known.
Sheila J. Wise
December 7, 2015
Dr. Fry was a true Sister-Scholar. Her contributions to African-American culture and folklore will live on as part of her legacy. I will miss her sharp tongue and quick wit. I remain grateful and blessed that our paths crossed on Primrose.
Derrick Douglass
December 3, 2015
rest in peace
December 1, 2015
Dr.Fry was a pioneer,inspiration,and mentor; with a brilliant sense of humor, a sojouner in her own right. It was a pleasure and honor to know and work with this wounderful woman,teacher,and artist. Charmaine Lee
Thomas Southern
November 29, 2015
Job well done!
Diana NDiaye
November 27, 2015
Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. She always encouraged me as a younger colleague and I count her work as a foundation for other African American textile scholarship that has emerged since. I usually could count on seeing Gladys-Marie at least twice a year--at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and at BZB's holiday sale right after Thanksgiving. She was a sharp dresser and we shared a love of both textiles and jewelry. I was flattered that she liked my jewelry designs. I can say that at times when I was frustrated with my work at the "Institution," she listend and gave affirmation and advice. She was kind to my daughter Mame who remembers her fondly. We once met at a the annual GuyAid luncheon and annual fashion show when I and several of my relatives were participating as models. She and her (now deceased) brother were both invited by a Guyanese friend. Neither of us expected to see the other there but we had much fun together. I tried on several occasions to interest Gladys Marie in a computer...no luck!Even getting my 80 years+ stepMom, (her University of Indiana alum) to call. Gladys figured that she had gone 80 years without a computer and had been fine. I will sorely miss her but her scholarship and her influence on us, her younger sisters, lives on! RIP Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry!
Cousin, Mary E. Fry-Moore
Mary Ethel Fry-Moore
November 25, 2015
May God give the family & friends comfort during this time of grief.
Love,
Cousin Mary E. Fry-Moore
Mama Linda Goss
November 24, 2015
A Collected Memory From The Scrapbook In My Mind
My bells of remembrance and respect are ringing for Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry. She is now an ancestor of the NABS' family. She was the Dean of African American Folklore in America. Most people knew her as Dr. Fry; however, I called her Mama Fry. She called me many names, My Child, Daughter, Sweet Angel, Granny, Missy, Willie-Willie, Trickster, and Rabbit. Each name has a story to go with it. We had great discussions on so many topics and subjects. I would tell her about a new book that had used her work as a resource such as The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
You are my last pupil, Mama Fry would say to me. She was indeed my beloved professor. Mama Fry always gave me homework, and I obediently completed the assignment. Towards the end of our conversations she would pray for me. I should have been the one praying for her. Then she would tell me to look for the light My Child! I love you Mama Fry, I would say ending our phone call. But true to form, Mama Fry had to have the last say: I love more Sweet Angle, I love you more.
In the Spirit of Love and Storytelling
Mama Linda Goss, Co-Founder National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc.
November 24, 2015
Man Made: African-American Men and the Quilting Tradition, 1998 curated by Dr. Fry
November 22, 2015
Paulette Sheeley
November 22, 2015
Dr. Fry will be missed. Her work is very important for African American culture and quilting.
Sis Dr. Reed
November 22, 2015
Dr. Fry's dissertation and subsequent book, "Night Riders in Black Folk History" was an immense inspiration to me and my studies. Our conversations were incredibly humbling for me. I knew that I was in the presence of greatness-a true Warrior Scholar.
Cheryl LaRoche
November 22, 2015
She was a shining light and a great inspiration. We have lost a major cultural resource and a national treasure. She will be deeply missed.
Dr. Fry at a quilt exhibit
November 22, 2015
Stitched from the Soul
November 22, 2015
Minnie Melvin
November 21, 2015
Thank you for keeping records of Black Quilters in the pass, that have done great works that can still be talked about today and passed on.
Keesha Dixon
November 21, 2015
Our paths crossed only briefly but cross they did. May your family find comfort in knowing "you" made a difference while on this side of the river. See you again soon.
Baba Jamal Koram
November 20, 2015
May our ancestors receive you with open arms. You have graced our lives with a creativity that is God inspired. Ashe O!
Karima Amin
November 20, 2015
Your words, your presence, your generosity all give sweet memories to those of us who mourn your transition. (RIP- rest in POWER!)
November 19, 2015
Thank you for everything.
Joann Clay
November 19, 2015
So pleased to say I have read her writings and sad about her passing.
Gary
November 19, 2015
I lived right next door to Dr. Fry for 13 years. We would often exchange pleasantries about my dogs and gardening. She took great pride in making sure her yard was perfect, which I admired a great deal. I've uploaded a picture of her beautiful Azalea's, which were stunning. I'd like to think that a part of her will live on in those beautiful flowers (which she took great pride in). Over the years, we had a few run-ins, but after the dust settled, we would always extend an olive branch to each other. When my dog passed away, she made it a point to reach out to me and give her condolences, which I really appreciated. I will miss her presence.
Pledging Allegiance redwhitekentemudclothblue
Tambra Chisolm
November 18, 2015
I have truly appreciated and enjoyed Dr. Fry's contribution to the world of quilting. Her research and passion for this art form has inspired me in more ways than imaginable. She leaves an awesome legacy for us to cherish and continue to learn from. May God be pleased with Dr. Fry.
Sincerely,
Tambra Chisolm (gyenyamequilter)
Phyllis May-Machunda
November 18, 2015
Gladys, Thank you for your contributions to African American folklore scholarship, your love of Black quilts, your mentoring young African American folklorists, and your friendship over the years. You have been one of my role models and I appreciate the opportunity to get to know and love you. May God be with you.
November 18, 2015
What a legacy you have left. Thank you.
Glendora Simonson
November 18, 2015
Thank you for the privilege of studying your ground-breaking research about African-American seamstresses and quilters.
Lillian LeBlanc
November 18, 2015
Dr. Fry's "Stitched From the Soul started me on a path to learn about Slave and African American quilts. I am so grateful she saw the importance of writing and publishing the contributions of slave women to textile productions.
Thank you Dr. Fry
Louise Hamm
November 18, 2015
Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry,
Thank you for keeping the history alive. I will continue to stand on your shoulders and keep it alive. May the ancestors bless you for you have truly made a great impact in the quilting community. Peace and blessings.
November 18, 2015
Well respected and will be missed by the quilting community and all.
Charlotte M. Williams, AAQB
Bonnie Perry
November 18, 2015
RIP. Thank you for your work.
Marsha MacDowell
November 18, 2015
You are missed. I am so glad we had that "few minute", turned "two-hour" phone chat this spring when we laughed, told stories, and reminisced about the intersections in our work. I will always treasure the road trip we took in Michigan in the 1980s on our quest for African-American quilt knowledge. I will also treasure your many kindnesses as well as your wise suggestions to me along the way. - Marsha MacDowell
Gloria Kellon
November 18, 2015
Sharing the quilts of my quilt guild with her at the National Association of Black Storytellers Festival two years ago, was an honor I will forever treasure. Her graciousness and considerate analysis will be forever in my memory. Her research will inspire many.
Diane Pryor-Holland
November 18, 2015
I have been so blessed to meet her many years ago, she is part of the reason I have a true passion for quilt making. Our spiritual connection will keep us together and we shall continue to quilt!
Christina Northern
November 18, 2015
You will be missed. You brought history to us through the quilts. All we can do is try to match your awesomeness.
Kimberly Camp
November 17, 2015
What a wonderful woman. The world is better from her contributions...not said with anything but genuine respect ..she was the real deal!
L.D. Revis
November 16, 2015
Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry was special. She was learned. She was a pioneer. She was extremely proud to be a Fry. She educated young minds...and personally speaking, also old ones. She was a great friend and neighbor, and I will miss her and her irreverence. She really was funny and loved food, but could not cook ("My mother knew I had greater things to do.") I am blessed to have known her. Bye bye.
Maynard Mack
November 16, 2015
Always kind to me when I arrived, a kid, in the Maryland English Department.
Verlyn Flieger
November 16, 2015
I remember Gladys well. She was a valuable colleague and a vigorous presence in the Department. We need more like her. She will be missed.
Shirley Davis
November 15, 2015
Ms. Fry was a wonderful person. It has been such a joy to know her. She will be missed.
Judy Ellis
November 15, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss, may the "God of all comfort" comfort you during this time. 2 Corth. 1: 3 & 4 .
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