Dolores Matthews Frazier

Dolores was born in Raleigh, N.C. on December 19, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Thedo Preston Matthews and Ethel Leola Matthews.

Dolores attended Wiley Elementary School before moving to Henderson, N.C. with her parents when she was in the 3rd grade. She graduated from Henderson High school in 1950. At an early age, Dolores showed a special talent in music, playing the clarinet and piano throughout high school and then double majoring in both instruments at East Carolina College (now ECU) and graduated in 1954. During these years she was chosen Miss Henderson and represented ECC at the Azalea Festival in Wilmington serving on the Queen’s Court.

Dolores married husband Bill Frazier in 1954 and remained active in music as Assistant band director and private clarinet and piano instructor at Henderson High School.

Dolores and Bill moved to Raleigh with their two children in 1965. They immediately found their church home at First Baptist Church where she became the Children’s Choir Director for 5 years and then Director of Music for 5 years.

Upon retiring from her church position she became an Independent Private Piano Instructor which she continued until the age of 80. She influenced many students with her infectious love of the art to continue with their music studies at other institutions.

Other professional accomplishments were: President of The Raleigh Piano Teachers Association, adjudicator for many auditions throughout the state and served on the RPTA board for many years having chaired special committees.

She was a member of the Ellen Brewer and John Hiott Sunday school class. She served as the President of the Ellen Brewer class and was on various committees. For many years she was active on the wedding and funeral committees of FBC and was often a piano and vocal soloist for the church. Dolores loved to play bridge and belonged to many clubs throughout the years. She enjoyed entertaining and spending time with friends and family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Beardsley Frazier in 2013.

She is survived by her son, William Preston Frazier and wife Susan-Beck Frazier of Winterville and their two children, Brian Frazier and wife Sierra and Jennifer F. Mabe and husband Jaime; and by her daughter, Dee Ann Patton and husband Scott Patton and their two daughters, Paige and Morgan; great-granddaughter, Harper Mabe; great- grandsons, Jameson and Grady Mabe, and Valor Frazier. Also surviving are 8 nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Abbotswood at Stonehenge, Elmcroft at Northridge and Ayden Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the love and care they shared.

The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh. There will be a reception and visitation in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Burial will take place at Raleigh Memorial Park after the reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the music ministry of First Baptist Church or to the Charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary’s St., Raleigh. Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com