Making a House a Heart Home

Note from Mandy: As I was finalizing content for this issue of “Golden Glimpses,” I received word from Past National President Natalie Averette that Inez had passed away suddenly on Monday, March 11. While we typically don't cover the passing of Golden Violets into Omega Chapter, a story about Inez Fridley was already in the works. Additional information and sentiments have since been added.

Eight National Tri Sigma Conventions and countless Walton House Board meetings provided Inez Fridley the opportunity to meet Sigmas from all over the country. To those who knew her, it may have seemed she was born a Sigma—but it wasn’t until after she worked on renovations to the Gamma Beta Chapter's property at East Carolina University as part of her professional role in ECU's Housing Administration that her Sigma journey began.

Inez received a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1962 and a Master's Degree from East Carolina University in Counseling and Student Affairs in 1966. After becoming an Alumnae Initiate of Gamma Beta, she served on the C.A.B. for 22 years.

Her career in university housing was spent working with architects, contractors and designers, and made her a perfect fit for her service on the Walton House Board and 18 years as board chair.

Overwhelmed by the beauty of Walton House, Inez took great care to ensure repairs and renovations were meticulously made. While she was, of course, saddened to learn of the decision to sell Walton House, she understood the enormous amount of additional care the house needed to remain in pristine condition was no longer feasible.

"We love Walton House, but we love Tri Sigma more," she said in a statement for the board following the 2023 Walton House announcement.

“Inez was a modern Renaissance woman," said Past National President Laura Sweet." She delighted in all forms of art, a glorious flower garden, antique jewelry, daily swims, and her book and investment clubs."

She was deeply interested in history and an avid supporter of the Sierra Club and ECU women's basketball. She was also active in her community, having served on both the town council and as Mayor Pro Tem for Greenville North Carolina.

Inez was recognized by Tri Sigma with several special awards over the years, including the Founders Award and Outstanding National Officer Service Award.

Inez lived in the family home purchased by her father in 1947. She was passionate tending to the camellias in her garden and delighted in sharing the residence with her two sisters and their families.

Photo caption: Inez (center) with dear friends, Past National President Laura Sweet (left) and Past National President Natalie Moore Averette, following her Golden Violet presentation in October 2023.