Ethel F. Jackson

There’s a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1.

A Time to Be Born

Ethel Jeanette Frazier was born September 9, 1935, in Woodville, Texas (Tyler, County). She was the first of seven children born to the union of Fred Frazier and Sadie Belle Gill Frazier. Two sisters, Sadie Mae Frazier Hamilton, Rosie Lee Frazier Winn, and two brothers, Curtis Frazier, Sr., Dr. Freddie Louis Frazier, preceded her to their eternal life.

A Time to Learn

Ethel received her early education in the Dies Community, under the leadership of her aunt Dora Mae Frazier Barlow. Her foundational skills began emerging, due to loving, inspiring parents, and nurturing environments. Her Henry T. Scott High School milieu continued to provide many opportunities for growth and development in Woodville, Texas. Ethel’s Godly given talents in the fields of Language Arts and Mathematical Science prepared her for participation in the Universal Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions. Her gifts were not only manifested in the academic area; but were demonstrated also, in the field of sports. She was an accomplished athlete and the Captain of Henry T. Scott High Basketball Team Ethel graduated from the Woodville, Texas Independent School District in May, 1954, as the Valedictorian of her senior high school class.

Ethel matriculated at Prairie View A&M College (University) September, 1954; and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Her enthusiasm for advanced and diverse learning inspired her to achieve a Master of Arts degree in Library Science.

A Time to Love

Graduating from college and beginning a career, at the very high school, from which she hailed, Ethel and her college friend, Mathie Lee Jackson, were joined in holy matrimony on August 11, 1960. This relationship flourished in love for a lifetime until Mathie transitioned in 2014.

A Time for Labor

Ethel devoted her life to nurturing the minds of countless students as a yearbook advisor, English teacher, counselor, and librarian. Her distinguished career spanned more than 40 years, serving both the Woodville and Houston communities. She possessed a rare ability to uphold high expectations for student achievement while engaging her students in meaningful and enriching classroom experiences. Even years later, many of her former students—now adults—fondly reflect on her excellence, dedication, and the lasting impact she had on their lives.

A Time to Worship God

Ethel was reared in a Christian home, where she received her spiritual foundation under the pastoral leadership of her grandfather, Reverend Maude Frazier, at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dies, Texas. After transferring her membership to True Light Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, TX, she served faithfully in many capacities, including Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher, usher, and speaker for various congregational celebrations.

Drawing upon her gifts as a consummate educator and dynamic speaker, Ethel brought creativity, insight, and inspiration to every role she embraced—impacting lives through both her teaching and her uplifting presence within the church community.

A Time to Reflect

Those who really knew Ethel J. Frazier Jackson found her to be an inspiration in their lives. She was kind and generous, especially to her family. Her benevolence, goodwill, and unconditional love toward her family seldom waivered. When members of the family needed something, they could depend on her.

Ethel enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life. Each Spring she loved to work in her beautiful flower and vegetable garden. Neighbors and others would stop and admire God’s beautiful creation.

Ethel departed her earthly home just as she lived her life—quietly. She leaves behind an indelible message: “To love and assist others along the way, for that is God’s expectation of us.” Those whose lives she touched will miss her dearly.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory two sisters, Dr. Creola Langley of Washington, D.C., and Olar M. Dean of Houston, Texas; seven nieces and nephews, Tony Langley, Curtis Frazier Jr. (Lannette), Francine Frazier, Frederick Dean, Jeanene Thomas Cotton, Dr. Rosalind Baty (Rodrick), and Trey Winn (Jamila); thirteen grandnieces and grandnephews; and ten great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

A Time to Express Gratitude

The family of Ethel Frazier Jackson wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the family members and friends who extended love, prayers, and support during this time of bereavement. Your kindness has been a source of comfort and strength, and we are deeply appreciative of every expression of sympathy shown to us.

We extend special thanks to the compassionate staff at Brookdale Cypress Station Senior Living Community for the care and attention given to Ethel, as well as to her devoted neighbor of over 40 years, Mrs. Bobbie Crain and family, whose kindness and presence meant so much to her.

With sincere appreciation,

The Family

Excerpt from The House By The Side Of The Road by Sam Walter Foss

Let me live in my house by the side of the road,

Where the race of men go by-

They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,

Wise, foolish - so am I.

Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,

Or hurl the cynic's ban?

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.