Bernice Meredith Frith, 87, of Blacksburg, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born in Newport, Va. on Nov. 1, 1937, to the late Albert Meredith and Iona Vaught Meredith. She grew up as one of 12 siblings in a tight-knit family and remained close to her siblings throughout her life.
After completing high school, and while working at The Cottage, a restaurant in downtown Blacksburg, she met her future husband, Thomas Daniel Frith, Jr. They married in 1956 and together raised three rambunctious boys. A gracious and supportive wife, she was a devoted and loving mother, spending countless hours driving carpools and attending endless athletic events. A wonderful cook and gifted gardener, she was always quick to share a recipe, her famous chocolate pie or macaroni and cheese, some fresh applesauce or a home-grown tomato. She was a gentle and compassionate person, with a positive outlook and a wonderful sense of humor.
Bernice had a love for music, from Elvis Presley to Englebert Humperdinck, to B.B. King and Lyle Lovett, and enjoyed attending plays and musical productions at Virginia Tech and in New York City. She loved trips to the beach with her family, where she exhibited an uncanny ability to find shark teeth on demand. She also enjoyed hosting card games at her home with friends. Her latest joy was celebrating and spending time with her grandchildren and doting on a growing number of great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her son, T. Daniel Frith III and wife, Linda, of Roanoke; son, J. Patrick Frith and his wife, Barbara, of Charlotte; son, Eric P. Frith and wife, Dee, of Blacksburg; sister Gloria Meredith Davidson and her husband, Ronald Davidson; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family will receive visitors 3 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at McCoy Funeral Home at 150 Country Club Drive, S.W. in Blacksburg. A private graveside service for family will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad.
