Betty Frazier

Betty Beard Frazier, 82, of Raleigh, NC, formerly of Wilson County, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025.

Born on December 26, 1942, to Robert E. Beard and Ernestine Thompson Beard in Bailey, NC, Betty faced adversity early in life by the death of her mother at the young age of four months old. She was raised by her paternal grandmother, Octavia Beard, who instilled in her the importance of education. Despite life’s challenges, she pursued education with determination, graduating from Bailey High School in 1961 and the University of North Carolina in 1965 with a degree in Education.

In 1965, Betty married Sidney T. Frazier, Jr., with whom she raised their two children. Though they later divorced, they remained lifelong friends.

She was a loving mother to Erick Frazier and Beth Frazier Peacos III (Joseph), and a proud grandmother to Sydney and Dylan Frazier, and Joseph Peacos IV; brothers Robert Mitchell Beard and Dan E. Beard (Diane).

Betty had a creative soul, a deep love for the arts, and loved to sing. She was an avid reader, a writer, and a watercolor painter. Her passion for learning and travel was a gift she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

In her later years, she found great joy working at a local library and was an active member of Saint James United Methodist Church, where she met her beloved companion, William Reynolds.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father; siblings Rufus K. Beard and Lillian Rebekah Smith.

Her grace, resilience, and quiet strength will be lovingly remembered.

Funeral services will be held at Bailey Methodist Church, 12437 Green St, Bailey, NC at 10 am on Saturday, May 10, 2025, followed by a reception. Burial to follow where Betty will be laid to rest beside her mother in Bailey Cemetery.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com