Judith Taliaferro Frazier

Judith Taliaferro Frazier, 73, La Plata

Judith Taliaferro Frazier, of La Plata, unexpectedly departed this life at University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore on June 16, 2024 at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 12, 1950 to Philip Andrew Taliaferro and Cora Lois Hampton, she was devoted wife of over 48 years to William Arthur and adoring mother to Victor Lee.

Judith’s father was in the United States Air Force, and she lived in Hawaii and Guam before he was transferred to Andrews Air Force Base and the family moved to Charles County. During her first winter at Indian Head Elementary School it began to snow. Mrs. UnRuh picked up Judith and allowed her to stand on a window ledge where she could see the snow and be mesmerized by it falling and accumulating on the ground.. Judith had not seen snow before then.

When Judith started high school, integration was beginning in Charles County. She attended two years at Lackey High School and then was transferred to Pomonkey High School from which she graduated. She often said, “that was the best two years of my high school career.” Before beginning her working career Judith attended one year of college at what was the Charles County Community College.

Judith first worked at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C.  She began her career with the Town of La Plata in May 1974 as an Administrative Assistant to the Town Manager. She worked under five Town Managers, four Mayors and more than 20 Town Council Members during her career. In an article from the Maryland Independent Newspaper, August 13, 2004, written by Nancy Bromley McConnaty, Judith said that the April 28, 2002 tornado was by far the most memorable thing that she had to handle during her tenure with the town. “The spirit of neighborliness was wonderful,” she recalled. “It was the most fantastic thing during such a bleak time.” She also said, “I’ve always liked the people who I’ve worked with. If you’re a people person, this is an ideal place to be.”

Judith retired as Town Clerk in July of 2009. Upon her retirement, Mayor Hale who had known Judy for over 16 years said, “It’s been a pleasure to know her and work with her for so many years. Her dedication to her job and to the Town of La Plata have been outstanding. Her warm, outgoing personality coupled with her desire to help anyone at any time will leave a legacy that will be remembered for a very long time.” (Town Notes Newsletter, October/November 2009).

In retirement, Judith worked for Flow-Play, a company located in Seattle, WA, as a “help desk” operator for individuals who played internet computer games in Vegas World. She became very savvy about the Vegas World computer games; attending the on-line parties, receiving and giving many charms. During that time she met many new friends from across the United States.

In the 1970’s, Judith volunteered as a member of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. During that time she was also a member of the Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School’s PTA.

Judith will be sorely missed. Those who knew her would love to ask her one more time how she was doing and to hear her reply with a smile, “Fat and Sassy.”

Judith is survived by her husband William Arthur Frazier of La Plata; son, Victor Lee Frazier (Catherine); grandchildren, Philip Hillsley Frazier, Stephen Michael Frazier, Peter Edward Frazier; nephews, Thomas Scott Eckard, Charles Howard Eckard (Pamela), Steven Reid, Scott Eugene Eckard; nieces, Heather Alexandra Leadbetter (Eric), Rebeka Christine Eckard; Aunt, Mary H. Bonnett of West Monroe, Louisiana; and numerous cousins. Judith is predeceased by her parents; mother-in-law, Louisa Ann Catherine Frazier; sister, Kitty Taliaferro Burdette; brother-in-law, William Burdette; niece Ogee Priscilla Eckard; nephew, Michael Andrew Lupton.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff at University of Maryland- Charles Regional Medical Center, La Plata MD, University of Maryland-Medical Center -Baltimore, MD, MedStar-St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Additionally, the family extends their gratitude to the staff at Green Acres Skilled Nursing Facility and to Solomons Island Skilled Nursing Facility.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm on August 19, 2024 at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, La Plata, with visitation from 2:00 – 4:00. Please wear something yellow – Judith’s favorite color. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Judith’s honor to:

La Plata Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary

P.O. Box 728

La Plata, MD  20646

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