Deborah “Debbie” Sue Frazier

Deborah “Debbie” Sue Frazier

On October 20, Deborah “Debbie” Sue Frazier passed away peacefully, with her children by her side in Kirkland, WA. Born to Patricia Louise Donahue and Byron Reed Frazier on November 28, 1953 in Seattle, WA. Debbie was raised in West Seattle with her siblings Mike, Pam, Teri, and Byron.

Debbie had long suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and yet, still lived a full and vibrant 66 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Byron Frazier, mother, Patricia (Donahue) Heinz, step father, Ernest Heinz, and sister, Pamela Grove.

To Debbie, her greatest achievements in life were her four children; Fawn, Joseph, Trisha & Benjamin, the jewels in her crown. Her children were her pride and joy and they blessed her with 15 grandchildren who filled her heart.

Debbie lived life as a free spirit. She was strong willed and full of fire. When she was 19, she traveled to Chico, CA where she rallied for peace. Her travels then took her to tree-houses and caves in Hawaii where she lived until she gave birth to Fawn. She returned home to Washington with her beautiful six month old daughter, Fawn, in tow and her life adventure continued as, over time, she brought three more children into this world.

Debbie worked at the Renton Municipal Court Clerk’s Office for over a decade as she raised three of her four children in the Renton Highlands. In 1991, she brought her 4th baby (Benjamin) into this world. With the desire to bond with her new baby, she chose to step away from her career at the court and began working nights so she could be with him during the day and work with him by her side as he slept through the night. Several years later, Debbie went to college, obtained a degree and moved into a position at Renton Technical College as an Administrative Assistant. In 2001 a new season began for Debbie as she became a Grammy, blessed by Joe with her first grandchild. She was overjoyed to have arrived at this place in her life.

She was diagnosed with MS in 2004 and many witnessed her fighting spirit in this season as she continued to work while raising Ben and battling her disability. MS eventually pulled her into an early retirement, but it also opened the doors for her to spend time with her children and caring for her grandchildren. She enjoyed being a grandmother, and lived for the opportunities to spend time with the growing bunch of kids who called her “Grammy”.

In 2012 Debbie rededicated her life to the Lord, and was baptized. She had a passion for worship and enjoyed attending church with her daughter, Trisha. Debbie always showed up early for church to listen to the singers and musicians rehearsing. Sunday mornings were the highlight of her week.

Throughout her life, she faced trials and tribulations, yet she persevered. She did so with strength and contentment, though she struggled, she pressed on and always worked hard to be an example of forgiveness, unconditional love, and humility. She was never one to pass judgment but instead offered understanding and grace to others facing life’s challenges. She was always willing to help, even if it meant that she herself had to sacrifice. Debbie never lost the will to fight. Even as MS took over her body, she radiated resilience, strength and love. No matter the severity of her illness, she did not complain. It would be wrong to say that she lost her battle because she truly never stopped fighting.

Debbie made an impact, not only the lives of her children, but countless others who received her unconditional love and understanding. Many of those lives carry a special spark of Debbie’s fire. It encourages them to love deeply, forgive, and offer understanding; it reminds them to press on and fight hard because they are strong and resilient. It is because of her in our lives that we know what these things truly look like.

The family will be honoring the life Debbie lived with a small private memorial at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline, where she will be buried. You are invited to join the family at a small gathering, hosted by her son, Joe, at his home in Bothell, Tuesday November 3rd at 1:30pm. All are welcome. For directions please reach out to the family.