Alice Duke Fraser

Margaret Alice Duke Fraser was born August 1, 1937 in Birmingham, AL and was raised in Pelham, GA. She married J.C. Bell in April of 1959 and then graduated from the Georgia Women’s College in Milledgeville, GA that same year. After graduation, she moved to Charlotte, NC and taught High School while taking graduate level classes through Duke University. Alice and J.C. and family moved to Atlanta permanently in 1968 where Alice remained until her death.

Alice had a true love and talent for all types of needlework. She was a gifted seamstress and made many clothes for herself, her daughter and her grandchildren. For a time, she used this talent and volunteered at the Atlanta Historical Society restoring period clothing. Alice was also very involved with the Embroiderer’s Guild of America. She served as the Atlanta Dogwood Chapter’s President for several years and loved attending various seminars, learning new techniques and skills. Alice’s home is filled with her beautiful and varying pieces.

Her love for needlework was only matched by her love of travelling and gardening. She travelled extensively throughout the US, Canada and Europe. She loved learning about and experiencing new cultures. She was also passionate about cultivating and working in her garden. It was a heartfelt endeavor for her. Alice was also known for her wonderful collections from antique sewing tools and Limoge boxes to beautiful clothes and jewelry.

Alice had a true love for the Lord and thanked Him daily for her many blessings. She also had a deep love for all her family. Alice is survived by her daughter, Margaret McKavitt (Tom) of Annapolis, MD; Her sons Frank Bell of Atlanta, GA and Ed Bell of Katy, TX; her brother, Leon Duke (Carole) of Louisville, KY; her grandchildren Patrick McKavitt (Emily), Erin Mahony (Tom), Sean McKavitt (Meaghan), Matthew Bell and Maddie Bell plus her great-grandchildren Charlotte McKavitt, Molly McKavitt, James Mahony, Margaret Mahony, Kara McKavitt and Liam McKavitt, plus nieces and nephews. Also, her stepchildren Kathy Rachal (Woody) of Spring, TX and Dawn Knapek (Ray) of Perry, GA and step grandchildren John Rachal, Margie Knapek and Fraser Knapek. Alice was pre-deceased by her parents, Franklin and Adora Duke, her first husband, Junius Clyde Bell, daughter-in-law Kim Bell and second husband, John Fraser.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the USO (at USO.org) or Wellroot (at Wellroot.org) in Alice’s name.

A PRIVATE FAMILY ONLY Service will be celebrated on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00 am at

Grace Resurrection Methodist Church.