Evelyn Frye Shi

Evelyn Frye Shi, 92, of Gainesville, Georgia, died February 4, 2016, peacefully in her sleep at her home in Lanier Village Estates, outside of Gainesville. 

She was born January 20, 1924, in Hartwell, Georgia, the daughter of James Logan Frye and Janie Carlise McCurley Frye. She was the youngest of 3 siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, James Teasley Frye and George Raymond Frye.

A child of the Great Depression who was wrenched into adulthood by the trauma of World War II, Mrs. Shi emerged from such challenges a radiant source of hope and courage.  Her beckoning smile and hearty laughter enlivened every encounter.   Humble and unpretentious, candid and caring, she displayed a remarkable ability to make people want to polish their own hearts and fulfill their God-given potential.  Devoted to her large extended family, she enjoyed nothing more than spending time with loved ones, sharing stories, offering advice, and modeling the need for resilience and fortitude.  A resident of Lanier Village Estates since 2001, she enjoyed interacting with neighbors and staff over many years.  Despite limited mobility, she was hardly confined—she maneuvered her motorized chair wherever she wanted to go, often at breakneck speed.  Email was a favorite method of communicating with family and friends, and she enjoyed sharing strong opinions about politics and world affairs. 

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Shi Wilson, Marietta; son, Col. J. Stephen Shi USMC Ret., and daughter-in-law, Betsy, Alto; son, David Emory Shi, and daughters-in-law, Angela and Susan, Greenville, S.C.; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Lanier Village Estates, 4000 Village View Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Samaritan Fund at Lanier Village Estates in her memory. Inurnment will be at the Gainesville First United Methodist Church Columbarium.  

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family of Mrs. Shi may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.