Mrs. Frieda Whitley Bostick-Bruton

Frieda Whitley Bostick-Bruton was born on September 25, 1934, in Durham, NC to the late Oscar “Pete” Todd and the late Lovie Whitley. She departed this life peacefully, resting in the arms of her daughter, on Thursday, August 29, in Durham, NC. Frieda was raised by her grandparents, David and Odell Whitley, in Zebulon, NC. While in Zebulon, she attended Shepherd High School, where she played basketball and excelled academically. Growing up on the family farm instilled a sense of independence and a strong work ethic in young Frieda. However, she aspired beyond the farm; and despite her grandfather's objections, Odell managed to save enough money to send her to the North Carolina College (NCC) for Negroes (now North Carolina Central University) in Durham, NC in 1952. She achieved academic excellence at NCC and actively participated in social activities. She made the A Honor Roll her first year, and was recognized as being among the top nine students academically. As a junior, she served as the Chair of the Social Committee for the Women's Residence dorms. Each year she overachieved and in December 1955, she was one of 19 NCC students named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. At that time, election to Who’s Who was considered one of the highest honors for an undergraduate. As a senior, she was chosen as one of 14 student advisors for incoming first-year students, a position that was highly sought after by members of the college's 1,300 undergraduate women. Additionally, she was a member of the Biology Club and the Greek Sweetheart of the Tau Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. She was initiated into the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1954 and served as the chapter's Chaplain during the 1954-55 school year. While at NCC, she also learned to swim, play the piano and developed a love for bowling. In 1956, Frieda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She was a proud Eagle and became very active in the NCCU Washington DC Metropolitan Alumni Association. She was also proud when her daughter decided to attend NCCU. After that, Frieda attended homecoming each year and was excited to be inducted into the Society of Golden Eagles in 2006. After graduation from NCC, Frieda moved to Boston and lived with her Aunt Luvenia and Uncle Sam. During her time there, she met and married Joseph Bostick. They had two children from that union, Pamela Faye Bostick and Rodney Joseph Bostick. In 1962, she relocated to Washington, DC, and resided with Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Harrison. Soon after moving to DC, Mrs. Harrison encouraged her to join Galbraith AME Zion Church. Over the years, she was very active at Galbraith. She served in many capacities: as a Senior Usher, Director of the Children’s Choir, organist for the Children’s Choir, member of the Sanctuary Choir, Sunday School volunteer, and Stewardess. She also made sure her children attended Sunday School and church every week. She instilled in them a love for God, a passion for people, and the importance of serving God through giving time and money. Throughout those years, she was a dedicated servant and leader. She was known for her compassion and care, often providing transportation to older church members, and picking up children so they could participate in church activities. With a calm demeanor, she rarely displayed anger or aggressiveness. After relocating to DC, she spent seven years at Georgetown University Hospital before becoming a Biologist at the National Institute of Health (NIH). At this point, she was raising two children alone, working full-time at NIH, bowling with a league, and being active with the NCCU Alumni Association. Despite her busy schedule, she still managed to enroll her children in ballet, tap, and piano lessons. Her love of the arts was engrained into her children's lives early. She was able to purchase her own home in 1971, she managed to buy her own home, and another remarkable testament to her compassion and dedication was seen in her continued care for Mrs. Harrison until her passing in 1985. Without complaint, she picked her up for church weekly, did her grocery shopping weekly, and took her to all her appointments. She provided us with such a remarkable example of love! While working at Georgetown, Frieda met Joseph Bruton. They married in 1980 and remained married until his death in December 2000. Together, they built a memorable life and legacy. Frieda joined the DC Chapter of Silhouettes and the Greater Eastern Province Silhouettes shortly after marrying Joe. The Silhouettes is an organization for wives and widows of the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., serving as the official auxiliary to the fraternity. Joe and Frieda were philanthropists who loved to attend the Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund Annual Soul Food Fest and Auction annually. She stood by him and supported him in all that he did. They traveled to every Kappa Conclave and beyond, with one of their most notable trips being to Egypt. In 2001, Frieda established the "Dr. Joseph Bruton Scholarship Fund" as part of The Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc. to honor Joe's life and legacy. This scholarship is still awarded to a deserving student each year. Frieda worked at the NIH for 31 years before retiring in 2000. As a Biologist, she conducted cancer research. She was well respected and loved her occupation. She was also proud to be one of the authors of a chapter published in the journal, “DNA Damage and Repair in Human Tissues.” In 2005, having comfortably settled into retirement and living alone, life happened, and she found herself raising her youngest granddaughter, Maya, due to her daughter in law passing away. As an adult, when Maya looks back, she feels blessed and so extremely grateful to have had the love and guidance of her grandmother during her formative years. Grandma Frieda refused to allow negative influence to take control. Today, Maya’s life is a testament that the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much! In 2013, we began to recognize that dementia was gradually affecting her ability to make decisions and communicate. Rodney, her loving son, assumed the responsibility of a committed caregiver, offering daily support and care. He made sure his mother’s needs were met with empathy and affection. But God also provided the help he needed to allow her to create and continue to cherish memories. Maria Abrego Bonilla was there with her daily, caring for her, loving on her and adopting her as part of her extended family. She and Rodney were also right there in 2016 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, helping her through the treatment which allowed her to live cancer-free until 2021. How ironic it was that she had spent years of dedicated research seeking to develop a cure for a disease of which she became a victim. In 2021, despite a Stage 4 diagnosis and seven months of chemotherapy, the family decided to stop treatment as the tumor continued to grow. She moved to NC with her daughter where she continued to live, ultimately becoming a breast cancer survivor until her passing. Once more, God provided exceptional caregivers. Norma Smith and Wanessa Poole loved and cared for her as if she was their own. Her presence brightened our lives for three years, and her cheerful greetings and rhythmic clapping will forever be cherished in our hearts. Her life exemplifies God's patience and strength. Her legacy will be held close and honored for years to come. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Bostick Owens (married to Lewis), and her son, Rodney Bostick (engaged to Chastity King). She is also survived by her three sisters, Genell Todd Smith of Emporia, VA, Mary Ann Preddy (married to Fennell) of Raleigh, NC, Gloria Harris (Sebastian) of Middlesex, NC. Moreover, she leaves behind her beloved four granddaughters: Tia Lance, Tiffany Broughton (wife of William), Taylor Shawneé Owens, and Maya Johnson (wife of Bertram), in addition to her three great-granddaughters, Kennedy Lance-Stewart, Kaylee Lance, Kourtney Johnson, and many other relatives and friends.

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Mrs. Frieda Whitley Bostick-Bruton

September 25, 1934 - August 29, 2024