Gaynelle Rae Frazer

GAYNELLE RAE FRAZER, 86, of Gatlinburg, TN (formerly of Mt. Vernon, IN, Sparta, IL, and Chester, IL) passed away on June 20, 2025. Her children, Gary Ray Frazer and Angela Grace Hosp (Frazer) were at her side during her last hours.

She was born to the late Ray and Grace (Straight) Johnson on December 11, 1938, in Chester, Illinois.

During her working career, Gaynelle served as an elementary school teacher at Marrs Elementary School in Mt. Vernon, IN. Gaynelle mentored educators new to the profession and helped them thrive at the beginning of their careers. Prior to this she served as a secretary in various roles including secretary to the warden at Menard Correctional Center in Chester.

To those who knew her, Gaynelle was a firecracker, full of life and a little bit of spice. She was quick with a joke and famous for spelling words in front of her puppies and grandchildren. She was a beautiful pianist and a talented painter. If you needed an interior decorator or really any reason to shop, Gaynelle was there. She was always ready to “save money” going to outlets or garage sales. Gaynelle enjoyed hosting bridge parties and baking cookies during the holidays. She had a contagious laugh (that we already miss so much) and a way of making sure you knew you were loved even when she wasn’t around. Gaynelle married the love of her life, Gary Frazer, on August 24, 1957, in Alcorn County, Mississippi; he preceded her in death on November 15, 2023. They enjoyed retirement in the Great Smoky Mountains. After 66 years of marriage, it’s hard to think of a memory that didn’t include them together. They were blessed with many years of love and precious memories with families and friends. She carried that love through the last two years without him with a little help from her family and Lulu. We are blessed to know that heaven was rejoicing with happy reunions when she went home. Until next time, “B-Y”.

Survivors include her children, Gary (Karen) Frazer and Angela (Ken) Hosp, 6 Grandchildren: Mallory (Jonathon) Kovack, Audrey (Denver) Frazer-Hall, Todd (Mary) Frazer, Marissa (Michael) Ingram, Kenny (Brittney) Hosp and Cassalyn Hosp and 9 Great Grandchildren: Isabella Frazer, Johnna Frazer, Julia Kovak, Maura Kovak, Easton Lackey, Deklan Hosp, Kya Hosp, Isla Ingram and Miles Ingram.

Gaynelle was preceded in death by her husband Gary Dean Frazer, parents Ray and Grace Johnson, and her sister Sharon Mueller.

Funeral Service: 

   2:00 pm, Saturday, July 5, 2025

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Betty Gengler

Interment: 

   Evergreen Cemetery

   Chester, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Saturday – 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

A memorial service will be held in Mt. Vernon, Indiana at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations to honor her memory: First United Methodist Church of Gatlinburg, Friends of the Smokies, Mt. Vernon Humane Society, and the Randolph County Humane Society.