Anna Carolyn Taylor Fries

On Dec. 30, 2022, Anna Carolyn Taylor Fries passed away peacefully with family by her side. She was 98 years old. Anna Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years John T. Fries, her daughter Carolyn Fries Torgesen, her parents Everett R. Taylor and Eloise Rector Taylor, and brothers Everett, Charles, Ronald, and Teddy. She is survived by her 4 children: Ted Fries (Jane), Courtland, VA; Hal Torgesen (Carolyn deceased), N. Augusta, SC; Chris Fries (Roseann), Harrisburg, PA; Jane Pitts (Alex deceased), Las Vegas, NV; and Virginia Pitts (Donald), Mt. Pleasant, SC; and brother Ben Taylor (Ann deceased), Hurst, TX. Anna Carolyn (Nana), is survived by 12 cherished grandchildren; Jay (Jennifer), Mike (Karen), Ben (Amanda), Tedd (Johanna), Tangie (Travers), Brian (Danielle), Jen, Stephen, Alex, Jared, Cara (Dave), and Dustin (Taylor); as well as many treasured great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Anna Carolyn was born on August 13, 1924, in Parkersburg, WV. She was a devoted daughter and sister, and shared a lifelong special bond and closeness to her mother. Anna Carolyn graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1942. She attended Mountain State College, and was a member of Alpha Iota Sorority. She and her husband John were married in Parkersburg on April 17, 1948. Anna Carolyn was a caring and faithful mother who provided constant love and support to her 5 children. She was a very giving and dedicated friend and neighbor. She was always the first to offer help whether it be providing a meal to a sick neighbor or a dessert to celebrate a special occasion. Anna Carolyn was unwavering in her thoughtfulness and generosity toward family and friends.

Anna Carolyn’s work and activities outside the home included American Cyanamid (where she met her husband), Commercial Bank, and Wood County Health Department. Anna Carolyn volunteered in numerous capacities with the YWCA, Girl Scouts of America, Parkersburg Catholic schools, American Red Cross, and the Junior League. She enjoyed being part of local Garden Clubs, and the Golden Thimble Sewing Circle. She was an active member and volunteer of the First Baptist Church throughout her childhood, and later St. Francis Xavier and St. Margaret Mary Catholic churches.

Anna Carolyn and John moved to South Carolina in 2000 to be near family and to begin another exciting chapter in their lives. Anna Carolyn enjoyed her new home, making new friends, attending social events, and the many visits by family, extended family, and longtime friends. While living in Mt. Pleasant, she was an active member of Christ Our King Catholic Church, and later, while living in North Augusta, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church. Anna Carolyn was a true West Virginian at heart, and her home state remained near and dear to her always.

The family extends gratitude and a warm thank you to The Oaks at Mt. Pleasant, EmpowerMe Wellness, Amedisys Home Health, and Crescent Hospice for the excellent care, love, and kindness extended to Anna Carolyn. Thank you also to Charleston Cremation Center and Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home for their coordination and services.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ Our King Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant, SC, on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the church (Grace Hall). Anna Carolyn will be interred at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Edgefield, SC, on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to Catholic Charities of West Virginia, catholicharitieswv.org or South Carolina, charitiessc.org.