Margaret Jo Frazier

Margaret Jo Frazier, age 78, of Gulfport, MS, died peacefully on January 6, 2025, in her hometown.

Born July 23, 1947, Margaret was the oldest of two children of James Dillon Laird (10/21/1918 – 11/30/1987) and Josie Elaine Laird (3/7/1921 – 7/18/2010). Margaret earned a master’s degree in education from Louisiana State University and devoted 41 years of her life to teaching in the field of special education. Margaret’s love for her family and friends shone brightest during the gatherings she hosted throughout the year. She thoughtfully planned activities to ensure everyone felt included and carefully curated her menus with care and creativity. She found joy in reading cookbooks, tending to her vibrant flower gardens, feeding seagulls at the beach, shopping at Hobby Lobby and flower nurseries with her friends, and decorating for every holiday alongside her daughter.

Margaret was raised in the Methodist tradition and remained steadfast in her Christian faith throughout her life. She attended church services regularly until her health prevented her from doing so, at which point she found solace in reading her Bible daily. Her deeply held values and beliefs were a guiding light, enabling her to positively impact the lives of countless others.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Cori L. Walker, and son-in-law, Ferdinand “Rusty” Walker IV, who oversaw her care during the years of her illness and loved her fiercely; her son, Shaun Reed Frazier (Kathleen LaCoste-Frazier); and one granddaughter, Breanna Thomas. Margaret is now reunited with her lifelong beloved friend, Judith Pettiss (11/22/1944 – 7/17/2024), and she is remembered fondly by her dear friend, Debby Hollingsworth. Margaret loved them all dearly and expressed her gratitude for the love, support, and care she received.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nathan Boles, Kevin Coggins, and Todd Powers who worked miracles, moved mountains, and made the impossible possible.

Services will be held at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Friends may visit one-hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Coalville Cemetery in Biloxi. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Frazier family.