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Austin Frazier Obituary

Austin Betts Frazier HARRISONBURG - Our son, Austin Betts Frazier, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at his grand- parent's home. He succumbed to a quiet, insidious disease: bi-polar disorder. Austin suffered valiantly from the ravages of this physically transparent illness since early adolescence. Bi-polar is incurable and as deadly as cancer or heart disease. It is a disease of the mind, and one's mental outlook. Austin is survived by his parents; his brother, Cyril Sease Frazier; and his beloved little sister, Janie Rosemary Frazier; his grandfather, Dr. James R. Sease; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins from both sides of our family. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Janie Tune Sease, and his paternal grandparents, Robert Y. and Linda Betts Frazier, all of Harrisonburg, Va. Austin graduated from Harrisonburg Baptist Preschool, Blue Ridge Christian School, Keezletown Elementary, Montevideo MS, St. Anne's-Belfield School, and Blue Ridge Community College. He was so proud to be a junior at James Madison University with a major in psychology. He believed in the Lord and the redeeming grace to be found in heaven. While his funeral will be private, the family asks that friends go to Facebook.com and search for "Austin Frazier Memorial" and leave us a message. You may also go to www.kygers.com and leave a note for us on the guestbook. If you would like to help prevent such tragedy from occurring to other families, and to raise awareness of this disease and lower the social stigma that the afflicted and their families suffer, please send a donation to: Austin Frazier Memorial at The Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1068, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. We prefer this in lieu of flowers. Austin's loss leaves a hole in our life that cannot be filled. But we are comforted knowing he's with Grandma, Papa, "Mom," and Aunt Carla, now - and with a perfect body and healthy mind. Bibb and Dolly Frazier

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Austin Frazier

16 Entries

Deborah Smith

May 5, 2010

Oh Dolly....I remember Austin so well..that funny silly high energy boy! that beautiful funny guy. I remember...may he be forever blessed with the peace he sought here but could not find...This weekend is Mother's Day. I will be thinking of you....and my boy Jesse, as well...who has also left us, for now.They just could not stay in those broken bodies...they tried for so long.. Such a hard hard time...but they just had to go...it was just too much to bear..we must make every effort to stay open to the love they are still able to send us... clear beautiful light and guidance..it is real...My Sister...I am so very sorry for so much grief... and saddness.There WILL be a time when you feel more peace...even though you can't imagine how.I know there is nothing i can say to ease your pain, not really...but KNOW that I am beside you in your grief..my hand is in yours and I am holding it tight.... as I pray I am imagining that I am taking some of your pain ..so you can have less....I will help you bear the pain.
No one suffers in vain...those who do suffer teach us many lessons...forever lives the love of and FROM our children.As you read this know that they will never be forgotten... somehow beyond our understanding, this was the way they could love us best...we thank them for what they were able to give, and remain grateful for the time we had...even forever would not have been enough. You are ALL in my heart as my tears flow...Join me as I comfort myself with the image of our boys laughing joking being silly..having fun..finally..without pain, yucky drugs, sickness or confusion....just having fun being boys..Our dear,dear boys.Forever in our hearts....May God help us all to find the Peace we so desperately seek.

Eric Knight

October 21, 2009

Having never met Austin,I was deeply moved by the tribute written for him. Bipolar-Disorder is no stranger to me. First, my sincere condolences that his earthy presence no longer resides with you in this life. It's a lifelong curse: one doesn't necessarily want to die, yet life becomes so unbearable. Thank you for shining a light into the dark and lonely world that can only be truly understood by those whom experience it personally, or closely with a loved one. Mental illness is perplexing even for me, perhaps your words will encourage everyone to seek understanding of this horrible curse. GOD BLESS HIM as he moves on to 'peace of mind', for this is what each person afflicted with Bipolar seeks. This obit/ dedication will help each reader to put a face to this disorder, decrease the stigma attached, and possibly help those who suffer in silence to seek help.

Fritzi Hart

October 15, 2009

To the Frazier Family and Austin's Friends:

I to received a call from my Mother to tell me about this write up in the Winchester Star about a young man with Bipolar disorder. What a special young man he must have been. I know that you will miss him terribly, but know his death was totally out of his control. We never know what God has in store for us but obviously God had a job that He only trusted Austin to do, and I'm sure Austin will do it well. Know that Austin will always be looking over you and I'm sure he will guide his siblings in the right direction. He is in a safe place and free of all inner pain he must have gone through. Thanks for sharing your heartfelt story. God Be With You and Your Families & lets pray this disease and so many other diseases get the attention they deserve.

Lora Lee Hart

October 15, 2009

What a wonderful tribute to your son. Thank you for your honesty - it is important that mental illness is understood to be a disease that is sometimes manageable, sometimes curable, and sometimes not. I lost my 17 year old daughter to depression 16 months ago. As much as I miss her, I know she is no longer in pain and has returned to that happy child she was before her disease. Prayers and blessing to you and your family as you continue your journey without Austin.

October 15, 2009

I did not know Austin or his family. But I found myself weeping as I read this notice. May God hold all of you in the palm of his hand and give you strenth to carry on. Austin is free now and happy.

Amanda (Stewart) Stanec

October 13, 2009

Dear Frazier Family,

I was a dorm parent at St. Anne's when Austin attended school there. I just heard of his passing and wanted to send my sincere apologies for your loss. I shared many spirited conversations with Austin and have many fond memories of him. I wish you all the best during this very difficult time.

Clyde and Tammy Firman

October 11, 2009

Dear Dolly, Bibb, Janie and Cy,
We were deeply touched by your beautiful tribute to your beloved son. Please know that you, Austin and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Joe and Mary Coleman

October 11, 2009

We have been saddened by the news of Austin's death, moved by your tribute to him, and touched by your transparent expression of grief. May you experience the comfort of Christ in the coming days and months. We will be praying for just that.

c warren

October 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Beverly Pierce

October 10, 2009

I was moved by your tribute to this handsome young man. Though I do not know you all I send my sympathies and share your confidence God works all things after the counsel of His will. Eph 1.11. Austin's smile and determination were not lost. His courage inspired others. Just know that behind frowning Providence lies the hidden smile of God and Austin walks in fullness of joy which is found only in the Presence of Christ.

October 10, 2009

What a beautiful tribute to your son. I have a nephew with bi-polar disease. What a misunderstood disease it is. We need more awareness for this disorder and the people and families that struggle with the ignorance of others. Know that Austin is with God now. My prayers are with your family.

Lynn Hannah

October 10, 2009

I did not know Austin or his family but when I read the piece in the paper this morning I felt such a profound sadness at the loss of this beloved and loving young man. Please know that he is in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace in the coming weeks, months and years.

D Jones

October 10, 2009

My deepest condolences are with you at this time of need. Know that god
feels your pain as well. Go to him in prayer and he will comfort you very
much.

Kate Pullen

October 10, 2009

I am so very very sorry for your loss. Austin looks and sounds to be a wonderful young man. My mother called me this morning and said that she came upon Austin's obituary this morning. She called to tell me because we lost my brother on September 14th to bi-polar. He was 32, a recent graduate from seminary, missionary, and this illness took his life in the end. Like Austin, my brother was diagnosed in his teen years. We are so very sorry for your loss, and like you we are grieving the loss of a dear person who was taken by this disease. And like you our comfort is that he is with His Lord and savior and Healthy in body and mind. As my mother said, I am sure that Austin and my brother will have a lot to talk about together in heaven.

In Christ,
Kate Pullen
Buxton NC
parents (Roland and Millie Grenouillou of Pamplin, VA)

Dave Draine

October 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I am a retired school counselor who over twenty-five years worked with people who traveled the same journey as Austin.

pam altizer

October 10, 2009

so sorry of your lose he looks to be a very sweet man he is walking with god now you know he is happy one day you;ll be there walking with him arm an arm with god. my prays go out to all the family

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