Marylene (Watkins) Fryman

Marylene Watkins Fryman, 90, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Laurel Heights Shepherd's Cove in London, Kentucky. 

Born July 15, 1935 in Maysville, Kentucky to the late Everett Ellis & Cora Frances Ellington Watkins, she attended Mayslick Elementary School, Moorefield Elementary School, and graduated as valedictorian from Nicholas County High School in 1953. Marylene was a cheerleader for three years, where she met her basketball-player husband, Johnnie, in 1950. 

Marylene married Johnnie Gaylord Fryman on December 30, 1956. Next month they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. In 1957, she moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to be with Johnnie– who was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was employed at the Pentagon. She later worked for several years in the financial aid office at Morehead State University. 

In addition to her husband, Johnnie, she is survived by two children, Al Fryman (Janet), and Amy Polk (Richard); four grandchildren: Andrea Stone (Howard), Jonathan Fryman; John Polk (Samantha), and Daniel Polk (Teodora); and three great-grandchildren: Emily Stone, Aria Polk, and Aiden Polk. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Brenda Watkins, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Also preceding her in death were 2 brothers, Charles K. Watkins and George A. Watkins. 

Marylene was a kind, gentle soul, who loved her immediate and extended family with all of her heart. She was an incredibly loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and family member. She loved her heavenly Father, and served her church, Morehead United Methodist church faithfully– including as secretary, financial secretary, and many other volunteer roles. Marylene was an amazing seamstress, homemaker, cook, and volunteer. She loved having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and their families close. And, loved hosting extended family get-togethers for many years. A bible verse that reminds her husband of Mary is Acts: 11:24 (paraphrased), "She was a good woman, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."

Services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 26th at Mathers-Gaunce Funeral Home with burial to follow in Carlisle Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. 

Donations may be made to one’s charity of choice or the Alzheimer's Association. 

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