Rita Elizabeth Frazier

Rita E. Frazier, Lakeland, was called to her eternal home on July 22, 2022, at the age of 78. Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, to John P. Spellman and Marguerite Lillian Saul, Rita was the last of six children (Paul, Edward, David, Joan, and John “Jack”). She graduated from Braintree High School and soon after, at the tender age of 19, married her high school sweetheart, Albert “Bill” Frazier, Jr. on September 7, 1963 and celebrated almost 59 years of marriage. Rita and Bill moved to Lakeland in 1971 with three of their four children (Cheryl, Christine & Michael); their last son, William “Bill” was born in Florida. Rita was a homemaker first; after moving to Lakeland, she worked out of her home as a babysitter before working at the YMCA as an administrative assistant and then at Geico in Human Resources. Rita did not like to drive so she traveled to and from her job at the YMCA riding a bicycle until the Florida weather showed her it was safer to travel in something a bit more enclosed. Rita enjoyed reading, bowling, gardening, and taking trips with her family; whether it be camping trips or traveling to visit relatives out of state, they always included spirited conversations mixed with lots of laughter. After their kids were grown, she and Bill camped with friends; these trips took them all over the United States from New York to New Mexico and multiple places in-between. Many happy memories were made as evidenced by the number of photos taken & shared. Rita was also involved in the church choir at Resurrection Catholic alongside Bill for several years. She formed many friendships with the other choir members, and they shared more than one pot-luck meal together. Food, fun, friends, and music were always a staple during these days. She was a gardening enthusiast and enjoyed hosting her friends to exchange ideas and gardening tips; this was also a wonderful social outlet for her which allowed her to put time towards her love of plants. She retired early and spent the remainder of her years enjoying time with family and pets. Rita loved animals and there were very few she didn’t mind coming into her home over the years; aside from the typical cats & dogs, there was also fish, mice, guinea pigs, and snakes. She did draw the line at spiders, though. Rita is predeceased by her parents and her infant daughter, Pamela. She is survived by her husband Bill Frazier, Jr., her four children, Cheryl Frazier, Christine Wright, Michael Frazier (Loretta Ann), and William “Bill” Frazier (Sharonda); grandchildren Jered Youngblood, George Waller, Julianne Waller, Eli Wright (Gracie), Michael A. Frazier, Maya Frazier, and Ryan Frazier; great grandson, Aaron Carter. Funeral mass will be Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 11:00 am at Resurrection Catholic Church