Obituary
Barbara
Jean Frey, 76, was called home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Barbara left this world listening to worship
songs and is now singing and praising in glory.
Barbara
was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, in 1948 to the late Earl and Evelyn
Willis, the oldest daughter of eight siblings. Family was very important to
Barbara; she lived within walking distance of most of her siblings for most of
her life. It was often joked that Barbara was related to most Aliquippa as
there were numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. “Family looks
after family” was not a phrase to Barbara. She was always ready to give
physical or spiritual assistance to anyone who asked.
Barbara
was known as a great cook and to make food from scratch. Any of her children,
nieces, or nephews who wanted to learn how to cook, Barbara was already ready
to invite you into the kitchen. Holiday meals were her favorite time.
Preparation and cooking for those dinners started three days before the event.
Anyone who was home at the time was turned into the chef’s assistant. Her
numerous nieces and nephews always knew to stop by Aunt Barbara’s house for an
additional holiday meal.
Barbara
would tell you that the most significant day in her life was the day she
accepted Jesus into her heart. A long-time Church in the Round (COGIC) member,
Barbara served on the church missionary board. She was known to walk the halls
of the apartment complex where she lived, knocking on doors with her “May I
present Jesus to you” button. The answer to any problem began and ended with
prayer. Barbara’s favorite book was the bible, and her favorite songs were
old-fashioned gospel songs. She believed that everyone should know that Jesus
loves them and that Jesus is waiting for them to invite him into their heart.
Barbara
was the proud mother of five children: Thomas Willis (Beate), Kizzy Nicholas,
Evelyn Sokol, Terrence Frey (Bianka), and Michael Frey (Nora). In
addition, she has thirteen grandchildren: Teresa, Tommy, Daniel, Eric, Liazon,
Devyn, Riley, Augustus, Madax, Terrence Jr., Aurora, Colette, and Natalia, and
three great-grandchildren: Blake, Nika, and Raven.
Barbara
was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Evelyn Willis, and her siblings,
Earl Jr., Raymond, Edward, Donald, Norma, and Luther. She is survived by her
sister, Constance Walker of Aliquippa, her five children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and other extended family
members.
Barbara’s
home-going service will be held at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 851 Science
Park Rd, State College, PA. Viewing will be on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from
4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m., with a funeral service immediately following at 5:00p.m.
Private interment will be held at Centre County Memorial Park.
In
lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Barbara
Frey to Samaritan’s Purse charity (https://samaritanspurse.org).
Arrangements are entrusted to the Haky/Georgiana
Centre County Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences
left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com.