Janet Conway

Janet Frye Conway passed away January 10, 2020 at her residence, following an extended illness.She was surrounded by many of her loved ones at the time of her passing. She was born April 25, 1933 in Catawba County to the late Perry and Bess Frye of Lenoir, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Conway, brothers, Harold and Max Frye, and sisters, Ebba Jo Morrison and Jean Beach. She is survived by her children; Jana Hoyle (Steve) of Bennett, NC, Martha Cilfton (Jay) of Morganton, NC, and Todd Perdue (Kathryn) of Lenoir, NC; sister, Barbara Hicks, of Lenoir, brother, Don Frye (Brenda) of Lenoir; grandchildren Lindsey Lawhon (Andy), Patrick Smith, Tanner Clifton, Ben Perdue (Molly), Sarah Vincent (DeShaan), and great-grandchildren, Cannon, Beckham, Anderson and Lola. Janet, known to many as “Nanny”, had no greater joy than being with family. The annual beach trip with children and grandchildren was one of the highlights of her year. She was the true matriarch and had an unconditional love and passion for her family. Janet was a lifelong fan of baseball, in particular, the Atlanta Braves. She was a graduate of Lenoir High School class of 1951. Throughout her life, nothing was more precious to Janet than her faith, family, and music. Janet’s God-given musical talent as a pianist and organist, blessed many in the community. Beginning at age 12, she played for her first wedding and at age 15, she began a 38 year ministry as organist at Lower Creek Baptist Church, Lenoir, NC. For over 25 years, she served as organist or interim organist at First Baptist Church, Lenoir, where she was also a devoted member of the Women’s Sunday School Class. In 2016, she received the Harper School of Music Pinnacle Award, recognizing a lifetime of musical contributions to her community. A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church Lenoir. The family will receive friends following the service in the church dining hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to James C. Harper School of Performing Arts, PO Box 390, Lenoir, NC 28645 or First Baptist Church Lenoir Love Fund, 304 Main Street, Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service and Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Conway family.