BEATRICE JANE FRAZIER – Obituary
Beatrice Jane Frazier (née Field), affectionately known as Bea, on March 24, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by her children, in Harrison Township, NJ. Born on February 1, 1928, in Richwood, NJ, Bea was the cherished daughter of the late Eva May (née Gurlin) Field and Nathan Kempton Field. Her life was a testament to devotion, as she was the loving wife of 54 years to the late Robert Calvin Frazier and the adoring mother to a family she nurtured with care and joy.
Bea’s legacy is lovingly carried on by her children: Robert Blair (Janet) Frazier of Lititz, Pennsylvania; Kenneth Lee (Kathy) Frazier of Sicklerville, New Jersey; Janet Beatrice (Jim) Ricci of Harleysville, Pennsylvania; and Laura Jean (Jeff) Scholz of Clayton, New Jersey. She was the proud grandmother to Bethany (Erik) Roseman, Marianna Frazier, Viorica (Tyler) Minnich, Nathan Frazier, Heather Frazier, Kelly (Eric) Mitchell, Christopher (Morgen) Frazier, Jason (Aimee) Ricci, Matthew (Diana) Ricci, and Jacob (Jen) Scholz, and the great-grandmother to Pearl, Kathleen, Marlena, Kody, Cameron, Kayla, Molly, Ella, Finn, Cameron, Guy, Finnley, Brent, Owen, Elliot, Reece, and Leanna. Bea was predeceased by her brother Edmund G. Field, sister-in-law Emma (née Marshall) Field, and grandsons Andrew and Benjimen Scholz.
A resident of Clayton since 1930, Bea was a proud 1946 graduate of Clayton High School and furthered her education through multiple courses at Rutgers University. While in high school, Bea proudly served as a Ground Observer as part of the World War II Civil Defense program of the U.S. Army Air Forces to protect the United States against an air attack. She was stationed on the rooftop of Hungerford & Terry in Clayton, which was manned 24/7. In further support of the war, Bea sent numerous letters to GIs who were stationed overseas.
Bea’s career was as diverse as it was impactful. Following graduation, she worked as an overnight PBX telephone operator for New Jersey Bell. In later years, she filled in at the Gloucester County Building and the Woodbury Courthouse as a substitute telephone operator. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through in various ways. In the 1960s, Bea earned her securities license to sell mutual funds. She also worked as a demonstrator for Beauty Counselors and as a Home Health Aide with the Visiting Nurse Association. Additionally, Bea contributed her skills to the Gloucester County WIC, enriching the lives of those she served.
Bea’s interests were as rich as her career. She had a passion for travel, which she shared with her late husband, Bob. Together, they explored the U.S. and Canada with their children. Once their children were grown, they continued their adventures into the U.K. and Europe. After her husband’s passing, Bea continued her travels, visiting Alaska and New England with friends. She also enjoyed a memorable trip to England with her granddaughter Heather and visited West Virginia with her daughter Laura.
Bea was deeply devoted to her faith. As a lifetime member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Clayton, she actively participated in the choir and directed the Cherub Choir. Bea also served on several committees, including the Finance Committee, Missions, and Pastor Parish Relations Committee. Additionally, she was involved in the Women’s Group and Youth Fellowship. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering, and occasionally, she gave the message during special services, such as Mother’s Day, leaving an indelible mark on her community. Over the years, Bea would spend many weeks in August at camp meetings at the Malaga Campground. Her strong faith and commitment to Christ were an example to everyone she met.
Bea’s joy was magnified by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought her immense happiness through their loving attention, cards, handmade crafts, and through their chats on the phone and GrandPad. Her love for them was evident in every smile and word of encouragement she offered.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, with interment to follow at Cedar Green Cemetery in Clayton. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions may be made in memory of Beatrice J. Frazier to West Jersey Grove Association, 4488 Arbutus Avenue, Newfield, NJ 08344. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.