Johns, Fredericka Silvey
Birth: 2-20-1946
Death: 5-12-2024
Comments: 
Burial: Union Cemetery
Obituary: Fredericka Silvey Johns, a renowned lyric soprano, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Calico Rock, Arkansas. She was born in 1946 in Bodcaw, Arkansas, to the late Thomas J. Silvey and Bobbie Nell Martin. Her mother encouraged her early passion for music. She pursued opera studies at Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and later received training at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. She met her husband, Thomas Michael Johns while performing in "La Bohème," and they married in 1976. The couple spent 35 years performing opera in Germany, including nine years in Trier and later in Munich with the Bavarian State Opera. Fredericka also taught at the Abraxas Musical Akademie in Munich and provided private voice lessons to numerous students. She also owned Wonderful Weddings, where she organized weddings in castles throughout Germany. In 2012, the couple retired to Calico Rock, Arkansas. Tom passed away in 2014. Fredericka continued her involvement in the arts by founding the Peppersauce Players and serving as a choir director at her church. She ran a small antique store called Fricki’s Attic in Calico Rock. She will be remembered for her exceptional voice, dedication to teaching, and contributions to the opera world. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Union Cemetery, Nevada Rd 9, Bodcaw, Arkansas with Bro. Mark Silvey and Bro. Mike Silvey officiating, under the direction of A O Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas.

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