Essie Mae Reece Archer Frazier, revered as a pillar of Christianity, family, and community,
transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior on June 9, 2025. Born on September 17, 1925, to Sylvia Beatrice Kelley Reece-McGowan and Sidney F. Reece, Essie was known for her love of God and family.

Baptized at an early age, she worshipped and served faithfully in the Christian communities in Trinity and Walker counties. She never missed an opportunity to share the bountiful blessings that God offered to those in need. Her faith was exemplified through her unwavering service, love, and devotion to the body of Christ. Even through sickness, she remained a steadfast member of Broyles Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her beloved Pastor, Reverend Ronald Davis.

Essie Mae married Robert Earl Archer in 1945 and through their union, she was blessed to become the loving and nurturing mother to three sons, Robert Augustus, Reginald Alfred, and Roland Andrew. Her sons were the joy of her life, and she made sure that they were equipped with the tools needed to lead successful and honorable lives. Essie later met and wed Maud Frazier Jr. Essie and Maud provided a loving home and nurturing environment for their children, grandchildren, and extended family. They were devoted to their family and raised a grandson, Raru Alexander Archer, as their own.

Essie Mae developed a passion for education at an early age, following in the footsteps of her mother, Sylvia B., who was a premier educator in the Phelps community, she earned her high school diploma in Huntsville Texas from Samuel Houston High School (1944), a bachelor's degree from Paul Quin College (1962), and a master's degree in education from Prairie View A&M University (1965). She was a devoted and knowledgeable educator, admired for her unwavering commitment to teaching students with educational challenges and learning disabilities. She was a pioneer in the field of Special Education and earned one of the first State-endorsed certifications in Special Education from Sam Houston State University (1968). Her love for education and teaching spanned over three decades culminating with her retirement in 1992.

Essie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Maud Frazier, and her parents, Sylvia Beatrice Kelley-Reece-McGowan and Sidney Frank Reece. Sons; Robert A. Archer, Roland A. Archer, and grandson Lawrence Archer; sisters: Robbie Mae Williams and Berniece Washington-Tucker; brothers: Sylvester Reece-Jackson, Grover C. Reece Sr., and Powell F. Reece.