Biographical Sketch
“A Time to Be Born”
Ilah Jane Horton was born on October 4, 1940, to James Horton, Sr. and Pearlie Mae Edwards Horton.
“A Time to Love”
Ilah married Donald Lee Frazier on June 27, 1965. They were lovingly united for 46 years and blessed with one son, Daryl Landon Frazier.
“A Time to Plant”
Ilah attended public school in Orange County, FL and graduated from Charles R. Drew High School in Winter Garden, FL in 1958. After high school, she attended Bethune-Cookman College (University) where she pledged Gamma Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., served as its president for a time, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962. She subsequently attended Rollins College and the University of South Florida where she received a Master in Education a few years later. Ilah began teaching at Maxey Elementary in Winter Garden prior to marrying and moving to Winter Haven where she taught at Brigham Elementary School for the next thirty-four years. Her accomplishments while serving her community were numerous: She was a golden member of Kappa Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she served as a youth director and on the educational council at First Missionary Baptist Church, she was the founder and chairperson of the African-American Heritage Festival that has been celebrated annually since 1992. She helped establish the local chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, was a School Advisory Council Member at Jewett School of the Arts and a member of the Polk County Retired Educators Association. She was a member of Girls Inc. and a honorary recipient of the “She Knows Where She Is Going” Award as well as many, many other accolades.
“A Time to Mourn”
Ilah was preceded in death by her parents, James & Pearlie Horton; her husband, Coach Donald L. Frazier; her brother, James Horton, Jr.; and her sister, Dorothy May Horton-Stringer.
“A Time for Peace”
Ilah’s memory will be cherished by her son: Daryl Frazier (Davida) of Winter Haven, FL; grandchildren: Kayla Frazier of Smyrna, GA, Landon Frazier of Harker Heights, TX; a brother-in-law: Hedrich Frazier (Joyce) of Winter Haven, FL, sisters-in-law: Sandra Johnson of Randallstown, MD., Wadee’ah Muhammad of Stone Mountain, GA., Lillian Durham, Silver Springs, MD.; two special cousins: Josh Mack of Detroit, MI and Dennis (Bobby) Duval (Shera) of Winter Garden, FL; a special God son: Adrian Kirkland of Tallahassee, FL; devoted caregivers Charlene Wright, Mamie Drayton, Katrina Williams and Jacinth Lawrence; two special nieces: Alicia Horton of Washington, D.C., and Adrienne Frazier, Winter Haven, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren; students, and loving and devoted friends.
MASK ENCOURAGED FOR ALL SERVICES
VISITATION
Friday, August 16, 2024, 5–7 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 200 Ave R NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 Directions
FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 11 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 200 Ave R NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 Directions
Burial will follow at Rolling Hills Cemetery, 4810 Tilden Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33881 Directions
The Hardee family sends condolences to the family of my sister Ilah Frazier. Ilah was a devoted teacher to my daughter Vera, when she attended Brigham Academy. Ilah and I worked on many auxiliaries together at First Missionary Baptist Church. She taught me a great deal of wisdom and I truly learned a lot from her. Her presence and Legacy will forever be missed but will continue to live in all of us who loved her.
When I started to attend FMBC I felt at home. My passion was working with children. I started to work with Mrs. Frazier and I loved the fact that she gave me the opportunity to write plays and work with the dance ministry and more. My years there will always be very special memories and she will always have a special place in my heart. She was such a wonderful person with a great spirit. Kind, loving and gentle with such a beautiful smile. RIH sweet lady.
A special tribute to my beloved cousin -Ilah Frazier.
I have known Ilah practically all of my life. We were raised in the same neighborhood in Britt’s quarters, a racially segregated area in Winter garden, Florida. I vividly recall many of our school experiences, including attending elementary schools. The Drew Junior High, Jones High School and Drew high school where both of us graduated. I remember our frequent reminiscing of our college experiences in the 1960s when she attended Bethune Cookman college and I attended Edward Water college. Ilah was an honor roll student throughout high school. She was a well conditioned and outstanding member of Drew High School girls championship basketball team. Ilah will be remembered for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of education; many of which are unparalleled. The latter includes the significant impact that she had on many of her students’s success and attaining vertical mobility as productive citizens, both locally and nationally.
As most of us who knew Ilah, we will attest to the vociferous relative to her strong philosophical and theoretical perspective and quality education for all students, irrespective of their social or educational status.
I will cherish the unforgettable and fond memories, our relationship; and pray for the perpetuation of her legacy. Ilah’s well-established contributions and positive impact on others speaks for itself. Ilah – well done. Well done!
Cousin Josh Mack.
I give my condolences to the Frazier family I served on committee’s under Soror Frazier Leadership, and it was pleasant working with her. Soror rest in peace I’m praying for the Frazier family.
May God bless the Frazier family at the time. Sis Ilah was my oldest member on the GAD tribe (Ward 9)
at FMBC Very faithful and loyal .
She will be dearly missed. RIP TAKE YOUR REST
CLINTON MCKNIGHT
DEACON AND LEADER OF TRIBE OF GAD, FMBC
MY DEAR ILA MY SISTER,FRIEND,SPIRITUAL COACH I WILL CONTINUE TO MISS ALL OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER FOREVER MISS YOU .NOW YOU’VE FINALLY RECEIVED YOUR ETERNAL REST SEE YOU SOON IN HEAVEN .PS I WILL CONTINUE TO COMMITMENT IN PRAYER FOR YOUR SON AND GRAND CHILDREN ELDER ALICIA MASSEY🌹🌹🌹🙏🏿🙌🏾😘
Our sincere condolences to the Frazier family. I will remember cousin Ilah as a devoted wife, mother, cousin strong Christian woman. She was one of my mother Geneva closest and favorite relatives. Her home was always open to our family whenever we visited Florida. We all loved her and her entire family. Even as a youngster I eould notice that she had a special grace and calmness about her. She will be missed but never forgotten for she is ALWAYS in our hearts.
God has welcomed her home. Her true home were we are all meant to be. Thank you for all the love and suppor over the years cousin Ilah.
Rest In Peace!
To the Frazier Family.
I am so sad to hear the news that my dearest friend and NCBW Polk Chapter Sister has transitioned to her forever life of restful peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and well wishes. May the Lord’s blessings continue to flow, and the memories of our dearest Ilah live on in our hearts.
Sister Deloris Johnson & Family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Soror Ilah. Condolences to Darryl and the family. May the Lord strengthen you during this time of bereavement.
Patricia Salary