Mrs Laura Hays Frazier

Laura Hays Frazier of Salisbury, NC died Saturday evening, April 11, 2015 after being in declining health for several years. Born in Durham, NC to Marion Duncan Hays and Robert Samuel Hays, Laura graduated from St. Mary’s School and Junior College in Raleigh, NC and in 1954 from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism. In Chapel Hill, she met the love of her life, John Wesley Frazier, Junior of Salisbury, a decorated Korean War U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and outstanding amateur golfer who played for Carolina. They married in 1955. Laura was a devoted wife, mother and volunteer in various community organizations who enjoyed family outings including golf, traveling, and being with friends. After John died in 1979, Laura emerged as one of Salisbury’s recognized leaders and business women. Specializing in residential real estate, Laura organized her own company known as Laura Frazier Realty. Her successful business was based on a reputation of market knowledge, hard work ethic, and the privacy she provided her clients. During her career as a Realtor she served as a director and President of the Salisbury Board of Realtors, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Association, and as an advisor on the Real Estate Advisory Committee for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Laura was also an active community volunteer and civic leader. She was a past president of the Women of First Presbyterian Church, a former director of the United Arts Council and the Rowan County YMCA, and a board member on the local board of NCNB. Laura was a former director at Salisbury Country Club where, in 1969, she was the Women’s Golf Champion defeating her daughter, Laura. In addition, Laura served on the Board of Visitors of Catawba College and was a member of the English Speaking Society. Laura was also a proud and participating member of the Oasis Book Club. Preceding Laura in death were her parents, husband, and her two brothers, Robert Samuel Hays, Junior, and Julius Duncan Hays. She is survived by her two children, Laura Frazier Norman (Dean) of Greensboro, NC and John Wesley Frazier (Mary Bryan) of Burlington, NC, and her sister, Marion Hays McNair (Jim) of Laurinburg, NC. Laura was a wonderful and caring grandmother to her four grandchildren: Dean Graham Norman, Junior, Sara (Sally) Austin Norman, John Wesley Frazier, IV, and James Frederick Frazier. Laura and her family have requested no flowers. Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, 308 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28144 and St. Mary’s School, 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Laura’s family and friends will forever be grateful for her caregivers: Barbara Woods, Johnsie Wilson, Tara Blake, Shireda Fleming and Portia Young. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 2 PM Wednesday (April 15), conducted by Rev. Dr. Jim Dunkin. The family will receive friends following the service in Lewis Hall. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Frazier family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.