Obituary of Charleen Sams DeLay Wigington Frye

Charleen Sams DeLay Wigington Frye

Columbia, South Carolina

A Lady from Columbia, South Carolina, The Life of Charleen Sams DeLay Wigington Frye is widely defined by her kindness and willingness to engage anyone in conversation Without Reservations.  In fact, if “words are what men live by,” Charleen sustained platoons.  But, for those that truly knew her, her defining traits were her True Grit and fiery spirit – traits she passed down to three generations.

Charleen passed away in the early morning hours of December 15, 2019.

The daughter of B.C. and Toots DeLay, Charleen was born during one of the toughest times in our country’s modern history – the Great Depression.  This was just the starting line for the life of toughness that Charleen lived.  After that starting line, she endured more than most who were acquainted with her will ever know. And, as she would have it, they will never know, because, for all the toughness she had, her selflessness was tenfold.

Indeed, although there was Trouble Along the Way, Charleen’s life was immensely bright. She brought a smile to everyone’s face, and she had a knack for delivering small gifts to all that would shake her hand or lend her an ear.  Affectionately referred to as “Candy Lady” by many who attended Calvary Baptist Church, she covertly delivered mints to complete strangers during introductory handshakes.  Like her penchant for sneaking candy to others, she also had a way of covertly handing out nuggets of wisdom during otherwise routine conversation, which always tended to affirm that “it’s all gonna be alright.”

Charleen was predeceased by her parents, Burton Charlie “B.C.” DeLay, Sr. and Toots Guthrie DeLay; her siblings, Loureen DeLay, Coreen DeLay, Burton Charlie DeLay, Jr., and Baby DeLay; her husband and the father of her children, Robert Edward Wigington, Sr.; her husband, Murray Frye; and her beloved granddaughter, Vickie Lynn Millwood. 

Carrying on Charleen’s legacy are her brother, Buster DeLay (Diane); nieces and nephews; her children, Robert Edward “Eddie” Wigington, Jr., Darlene Brown (Jerry), Dewey Sams Wigington (Michelle); her grandchildren, Thomas Carl Strickland, Lindsay Leigh Brown, Chris Rice Brown, Jakob Bowling, Tabitha Martin (Justin), Ross Allen Wigington (Jessa), Cody Sams Wigington (Mallory); and Charleen’s three great granddaughters among whom she shares a name, a birthday, and a fiery spirit.

In addition to her family, Charleen is survived by many friends and countless strangers on whom she had an everlasting positive impact.

Services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 at the Thompson Funeral Homes, 845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209.  The family will host a viewing at 1pm with a memorial service beginning at 2pm.