Lavanelle (Bentley) Frazier

Lavanelle “Bentley” Frazier, 91, surrounded by her loving family, was called home on Sunday, February 23, 2025, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was born to Jessie and Lillian “Holbrook” Bentley on June 27, 1933, in Whitesburg, Kentucky.  She was proceeded in death by her mother and father; husband, Irvin Frazier; daughter, Treasa Lynn “Frazier” Messimore; siblings, Audra May Bentley, Frances Jewell “Bentley” Caudill, and Alfred Newell Bentley; and daughter-in-law, Phebie “Riggs” Frazier.

She is survived by her son, Irvin Dewayne Frazier (Kimberly), son in law Scott Messimore, sister, Janice Farrell “Bentley” Collier (Paul), grandchildren, Vanessa A. Frazier, Ethan Messimore (Amy), Bristol D. Frazier (Andrea), Kristie R. Stanley (Mike), Eric Eversole (Amanda), Alexander M. Stamper, Andrew M. Stamper (Jessica), and eight great grandchildren, Wrenley, Stetson, Erin, Emilia, Kristopher, Brendan, Elinor and Elizabeth.

Lavanelle graduated from Whitesburg High School and married the love of her life, Irvin Frazier, on December 18, 1953.  After traveling with her husband looking for work, they settled in Charlestown, Indiana.  She held several jobs throughout her life like the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, she and Irvin opened and operated the Charlestown Seafood and later The Pirate House Restaurant here in Charlestown.  After Retirement she enjoyed watching all types of sports on television, quilting, cross-stitching, puzzles, cooking and attending her grandchildren’s events and programs.  She was a member of Charlestown Independent Church where she truly enjoyed the company of all her friends at Joy Club.  She looked forward to cooking and fellowshipping with each of them.  She was also a charter member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter # 597 in Charlestown.  Even though she was retired she did not quit working.  She would go to work with her son Dewayne at his business in downtown Louisville.  She worked almost every day until the restaurant closed in December 2024.

She had a servant’s heart and always looked for ways to help others either by opening her home or serving with many different acts of kindness.  She never knew a stranger, and everyone was touched by the love that she shared with so many people.  She never lost her sight of heaven and the love of her savior, Jesus.  She looked forward to that great reunion with all her family and friends.

A Life Celebration Service will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Charlestown Independent Church located on Hwy. 62, Charlestown, Indiana with burial in Charlestown Cemetery.  The visitation will be from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Church.