Vera Long Fraser, 88, a long-time resident of Nederland, died on Thursday, October 24, 2013, at The Orchard in Woodville, Texas. Vera was born on November 26, 1924 near El Dorado, Arkansas to Mable Leona and Allen McKinley Long. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-three years, W.T. “Tom” Fraser, Jr. in May 2006.
Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, along with their three children, moved from Smackover, Arkansas to Nederland, Texas in 1961. She served as secretary to the Nederland Superintendent of Schools for over twenty years before retiring around 1987.
Mrs. Fraser was a member of First Baptist Church, Nederland, having served as a Sunday School teacher and active member for over fifty-one years. She was loved and admired as a friend and inspiration to many, both within and outside her church. Mrs. Fraser also enjoyed singing, playing piano and listening to the Gaithers.
She is survived by her three children, Marilyn F. Owens and her husband, Judge Jerome Owens, of Woodville, W.T. “Tommy” Fraser, III and his wife, Sue C. Fraser of Dallas, and Ed A. Fraser and his wife, Jean M. Fraser of Garland. In addition, Mrs. Fraser is survived by seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren who reside in Texas, California, and the Chicago area. She is also survived by seven of her thirteen siblings: four brothers: Paul O. Long and Clarence A. Long, both of Arkansas; John L. Long of Fred, Texas; Huey P. Long of Stephens, Arkansas; and three sisters: Clarice L. Smith and Marie L. Rogers, both of Mid-County, and Peggy L. Sullivan of Arkansas.
Mrs. Fraser wanted to acknowledge among others, “my little girl” (Marilyn) who “devoted her life to caring for me, especially during this past year”; along with her sons, Tommy and Ed who all loved her dearly and who held an extra special place in her heart. She also wanted to say a special “goodbye” to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and sisters all of whom she loved very much.
She also leaves behind forty-five nieces and nephews, and eighty-one great nieces and nephews, most residing in the Ark-La-Tex area. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of The Orchard in Woodville and to Carrie Duhon of Nederland for their dedicated care of Mrs. Fraser.
A gathering of Mrs. Fraser’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2013, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Nederland, 1911 Nederland Avenue, Nederland, Texas 77627 or First Baptist Church of Woodville, 205 West Wheat Street, Woodville, Texas 75979.
