Heather Sweezy Frye

Heather Diane Sweezy Frye, 54, of Claremont, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at her residence.

Heather was born February 2, 1971, at Valdese General Hospital in Rutherford College, daughter of Roy Franklin Sweezy and Phyllis Mulligan Sweezy. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Valdese. She was preceded in death by her little sister, Erin Vanessa Sweezy, her grandparents, Roy F Sweezy, Sr. and Elizabeth Pearson Sweezy, and Edwin and Juanita Smith Mulligan (“Dita”), her aunt for whom she was named, Elizabeth Diane Sweezy Barrier, and her aunt Carolyn Love(Terry).

Heather graduated with honors from East Burke High School in 1989, earning a full academic scholarship in the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. She attended Elon College, transferred to Appalachian State University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a BA degree. She taught at East Burke Middle School where she made a positive difference in many students’ lives. Heather went on to earn a master’s degree with honors and became a Reading Specialist. She applied her expertise at Sweetwater Elementary School in Hickory and later at Oxford Elementary School.

Heather was a reader from an early age, so it was fitting that she shared her appreciation for reading with so many young people. In addition to reading, Heather was a cat person from childhood but never turned away raccoons and other visitors to the food she put out for her outdoor cats. She had another series of indoor cats, but thankfully, no indoor raccoons or other creatures.

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Roy and Phyllis Sweezy of Valdese and her brother, Geoffrey Scott Sweezy (Jessie Lyle). She also leaves Aunt Sybil, Uncle James, nephew Anderson Sweezy and nieces Sophia Sweezy and Ellie Lyle, numerous cousins, many friends, former students, and neighbor Kevin Isenhour, who made her life easier with his generous yard/handyman assistance as her health deteriorated.

A memorial Graveside Service will be held at Burke Memorial Park Wednesday, July 23 at 10:00AM with Rev. Dr. Bradley Hinton and Rev. Tamika Wade Garrison (a former student of Heather’s) officiating (Everyone is welcome).

Memorials may be made to Valdese First United Methodist Church (PO Box 637, Valdese, NC 28690).

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.