Mary E. Fries

In the early morning of March 25, 2008, Our Heavenly Father called another ANGEL home. Mary E. Fries was born in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Thomas Carroll and the late Julia Beatrice McCleary Slappy. Early in life, she moved to Philadelphia where she attended public schools. A Harford County resident for 24 years, she graduated from Harford Community College and completed her bachelor's degree at Towson University.
Mary was first and foremost a mother. She not only provided love and guidance to her children, she gave unselfishly to many others who considered her a "second mom." She gave the most precious gifts in human relationships: her time and energy. Her warm smile and loving personality endeared her to many. Mary was committed to education and always endeavored to elevate her consciousness. Excerpts from her March 13, 1989 journal entry reflects her beliefs:
" ….on the sphere of spirituality I thank God for newness of life. A constant renewal is found in one's relationship with him. On the sphere of education and self development I've developed a deep relationship with historical role models most specifically Mary McLeod Bethune and Madam C. J. Walker. Although I have not made the social strides that these women made, I give much pride to my gift of encouragement and concern for the human condition. Mary McLeod Bethune was a good role model for encouragement and educational development, Madam C.J. Walker, the first black millionaire, made a great contribution as a role model in the area of economic development…..Last but not least my mother, God rest her soul, because she lived life to the fullest helping and caring about others. … I became her financial manager and household engineer while she worked. She planted the seed of confidence in me and I continue to grow. "

Like her mother and historical role models, Mary made great contributions. She raised five children and founded her own business Spirit of Success. Also, she worked in the fields of Education and Human Relations having served in numerous positions throughout her life in public schools, state agencies, and on college campuses. She was active in Black Youth in Action, a member of the Red Hat Society of Harford County and was the founder of the Progressive Leisure Group. She was very active in church and was a member at St. James A.M.E. in Havre de Grace, MD and Falls Road A.M.E. in Baltimore County Maryland. She enjoyed sewing and crafts, as well as, poetry and music. She also enjoyed playing the African drums and traveling. She was married 29 years to June G. Fries and had maintained a special relationship even after their divorce.

Mrs. Fries is survived by three sons, Fred A. McCleary and his wife, Eva, of Chesapeake, VA; Michael G. Fries of Pasadena, MD, and H. Anthony Fries and his wife, Stacey, of Pikesville, MD. She has two daughters, Dr. Sharon L. Fries-Britt and her husband, Dr. Ned Britt Jr., of Mitchellville, MD, and Renata J. Fries of Baltimore, MD. She has three sisters, Thomasina B. Johnson, Carolyn L. Purvey, and Wilhelmenia Flipping, all of Philadelphia, PA; two brothers, Kenneth Carroll of North Carolina and Nathaniel Shipp of Providence, RI. She had a special relationship with her nephew, Dr. Jeffery A. McCleary and her niece, Felicia Slappy, both of Philadelphia, PA. She had seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and extended family in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and North Carolina.

Other information to put into the brochure:
1. Services were held at St. James A.M.E. Church in Havre de Grace, MD on
Monday, March 31, 2008.
2. Interment was in Darlington Cemetery, Darlington, MD.
3. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 572, Bel Air, MD 21014, www.cancer.org
Pall Bearers