Eva Belle Frye Jones was born on February 2, 1936 to Walter Asbury Frye and Pearl Motley Frye in Ellerbe, North Carolina. She was the tenth of twelve children, and the youngest of six girls. She died peacefully on May 18, 2023 in Greensboro, NC at the age of 87 years.
Eva was educated at Ellerbe Colored High School in Richmond County, North Carolina. However, she graduated from school in Mobile, Alabama when she was 17 years old. In her senior yearbook, Eva was noted to be a talented seamstress and basketball player. She briefly attended North Carolina Central University. While there, Eva received a different calling, and moved to New York City to begin her professional career. She worked at the New York City Department of Social Services until her retirement in 1996.
Once in New York, Eva met Olandy Jones. They married on August 29,1959. She cherished spending time with her family and close friends. She particularly enjoyed sharing a meal, playing cards, and winning at bingo. Eva’s delicious potato salad was legendary, as was her talent for remembering numbers. She was known to play twelve bingo cards at one sitting. Eva’s favorite outing was a trip to Atlantic City to play the slot machines.
Eva is predeceased by her husband, her parents, and nine of her brothers and sisters (Luvertus, Walter, Daisy, TC, Ella, Alfred, Evelyn, Billie, and Elbert).
She leaves behind three children: Olandy Jr., Cherisse Michelle, and step-son Steven Maurice. Eva had seven grandchildren: Olandy III, Eva Racquel, Shelby Renae, Marcus David, Matthew Adam, Alyssa Rose, and Nereydi. She had three great-grandchildren: Eva Rayonna, Isabella, and Jaxon Nathaniel. In addition, Eva is lovingly remembered by one sister (Ola), one brother (Henry), and four sister-in-laws (Shirley, Johnsie Mae, Carlie, and Eloise). Lastly, there are hosts of nieces, nephews, extended grandchildren and great grandchildren, and steadfast friends including many of her neighbors and her neighbor's children who will keep fond memories of Eva in their hearts.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sechrestdavisphillipsavenue.com for the Jones family.
