“One day at a time is the only way… Get wisdom, Hold to Instruction, Strive not and Forgive, Have Faith, Hope and Clarity that you may live.” These are the words Dora “Olene” Frazier penned in 1999, beautifully expressing the philosophy by which she lived her life.
Mrs. Olene Frazier, age 98, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, as the result of a tragic house fire at her residence. She was born on October 26, 1927, in Henderson County, one of seven children born to the late Carmack and Vinnie Adams Scott.
A devoted homemaker, Mrs. Olene’s life was centered around her faith, her family, and her love of music. She was currently the oldest member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and was a faithful Christian woman who never turned anyone away. She was a friend to all who knew her and always welcomed others with kindness and compassion.
Mrs. Olene was also known for her many talents. She was a wonderful cook, and her family will forever remember her famous white beans and cornbread, and perhaps even more so, her delicious chicken and dumplings. She was an accomplished seamstress who lovingly taught her daughters to sew and cut patterns from newspaper. One of her proudest creations was making her daughter Sue’s wedding dress by hand.
Music and singing were among Mrs. Olene’s greatest passions and gifts. She shared that love with her four daughters, and together they formed the singing group, Harmony. Through the years they won several contests and sang for countless groups and events throughout the community. Whether singing on Court Square, performing for the Senior Citizens, or sharing their music with other organizations in the area, they became dearly loved by many.
After the loss of her beloved husband, Jesse Frazier, in 1989, one of her daughters encouraged her to learn to play the piano. Mrs. Olene embraced the challenge and soon became an accomplished pianist. With her at the piano, she formed a small choir and continued ministering through music. Even into her eighties, she would proudly say that her group was going to “sing to the old folks,” bringing joy and comfort to so many.
Mrs. Olene cherished every moment spent with her family. In her later years, one of her favorite pastimes was watching Wheel of Fortune while talking with her daughter, Pam on the phone, and seeing who could solve the puzzles first. Her love, wisdom, and gentle spirit will remain treasured memories to all who knew her.
She is survived by her four daughters, Sue Frazier, Gail Mathewson, Pat Lazenby and husband Richard, and Pam Riffle; her ten grandchildren, Scotty Yount, Spencer Yount, Shane Maness, Lee Maness, Tosha Crews, Tonya Fiddler, Clint Dudley, Ryan Wood, Jessica Houston, and Matt Houston; twenty one great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren, all of whom lovingly called her “Grandma.”
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by daughters, Paula Hayes, Peggy Houston; two sisters, Jane Woods and Ann Scott, and four brothers, Houston Scott, Granville Scott, Henry Scott, and Harold Scott.
Funeral services for Mrs. Olene Frazier will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home in Lexington. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Cemetery with her grandsons serving as pallbearers.
A life well lived, a song well sung, and a faith unwavering, Mrs. Olene leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, music, and devotion that will continue to inspire generations to come.
