Carol Marie Frazier, 64, transitioned to her eternal, heavenly home on Friday, May 28, 2021.  She was the youngest child of the late Clara and Otis Frazier, born on April 27, 1957 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Carol attended the Julia R. Masterman school in Philadelphia before becoming a boarding student at the then Shipley School for Girls in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania where she graduated in 1974. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Ohio in 1979 and later earned master’s degrees in music education and sacred music from Southern Methodist University in Texas.

Carol was recognized as a musical prodigy from an early age. Her special talents were first observed by her mother who was a piano teacher and church organist. When she began taking formal piano lessons at the Settlement Music School, her distinct promise to be a highly skilled musician became readily apparent to many others. Over the following years, Carol demonstrated her dedication to her craft through the intensity and consistency with which she practiced and her strong motivation to master the most intricate and difficult piano techniques. As an adolescent, she won numerous music prizes and even travelled to Europe to study and perform.

Carol began her professional career as a Music Specialist in the School District of Philadelphia. She taught for 24 years, principally at the Philadelphia High School for Girls (Girls’ High). She received the Rose Lindenbaum Award (“Teacher of the Year”) for her commitment to her students. She then became Manager of Education at the Kimmel Center where for 18 years she created and taught numerous music education programs for young people throughout the entire Philadelphia metropolitan region. Carol is fondly remembered by her students, some of whom went on to have careers in music.

Carol was an accomplished concert pianist, singer and music arranger. She performed on many of the world’s greatest concert stages as a soloist, playing with orchestras and as a member of instrumental and vocal ensembles. Though classically trained, Carol’s abiding love was sacred and gospel music. She believed her talent and artistry were ordained and appointed to share and spread the Love of Jesus Christ through her music.

She served as Minister of Music at the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia for nearly 22 years. As Minister of Music, she was the spiritual leader of the worship and arts ministries, including MIME, SonRise, The Sanctuary Choir, The Praise Band, Voices of Praise, the Drama Ministry, Children’s Choir, and the audio and visual ministry. Most recently, Carol became an official pastor of the New Covenant Church. Pastor Frazier loved music. She showcased her musical knowledge and skill through her impromptu organ and piano selections, by exposing the congregation to classical pieces such as Handel’s Messiah, as well as putting on incredible musical productions for special occasions. She truly loved and was loved by her New Covenant Family, and her musical contributions left a legacy that will always be cherished by the church.

Carol was strongly devoted to her family and friends. She was unfailingly caring, loving and kind. Throughout her final illness, Carol remained cheerful and mindful of the presence and power of God. She is survived by her two brothers, Robert and Kenneth Frazier, two sisters-in law, Deborah and Andrea Frazier, her former sister-in-law, Parri Frazier, her niece, Lauren Frazier,  four nephews, Kimani, Khalid, Kareem and James Frazier, a host of cousins, her godchildren, Marcus Willis and Taliyah, Lauryn and Justin Davis, and many beloved friends. 

Carol Frazier was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family