Cheryl Lynn (Nichols) Frazier passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 1, 2019. She was born Dec. 18, 1957, at Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis, Ohio, to Floyd and Nettie (McGhee) Nichols of Jackson, Ohio, who preceded her in death. Cheryl is survived by husband, Daniel Frazier of 40 years.
Cheryl is lovingly remembered by daughter, Brynna Frazier (Jamie Cook); son, Jacob (Laura) Frazier; grandchildren, Emmah Leigh Cook, Owen Frazier, Cobey Cook, and Cooper Frazier; brother, David (Glenda) Nichols of Versailles, Kentucky; sister, Diana (Absalom) Forshey of Jackson, Ohio; mother-in-law, Dorothy Frazier; sister-in-law, Susan Frazier; brother-in-law, David “Jerome” (Elizabeth) Frazier; niece, Lisa (Forshey) Christian; and numerous other extended family members and friends from coast to coast. She was also preceded in death by her father-in-law, Ralph Frazier of Gallipolis, Ohio.
She graduated from Jackson High School in 1975 and went on to earn a three-year diploma from Holzer School of Nursing in 1978. Cheryl began her career at Adena Hospital in Chillicothe, Ohio, caring for mothers and babies. Soon after, Cheryl and Danny were married, and she began working at Holzer Medical Center. Following a brief stint on 3 West, Cheryl transferred to Obstetrics, where she specialized in the Nursery. Cheryl honed her craft caring for newborns, becoming Manager of the Nursery in the mid-1980s, and received her certification in Low Risk Nursery in 1989. She held that position until she transitioned to the position of Lactation Consultant in the late 1990s. Cheryl received her certification and became a specialist at assisting and educating thousands of woman on feeding their babies. In 1997, after seven long years of hard work, sacrifice, and support from her family, Cheryl was rewarded with a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree from Ohio University, all while working full time. In 2003, Cheryl was recognized as Nurse of the Year among Lactation Consultants at AWHONN (Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Cheryl will forever be remembered as a gracious mentor and teacher to many of her co-workers over the years. She was very effective in teaching young nurses the skills required in the Nursery and later Post-Partum, where mothers and babies were cared for as “couplets.” Cheryl not only taught, but led by example, ensuring she took the extra step to make sure her job was done completely and her patients were well cared for. She worked many hard hours with a smile on her face, and never a complaint.
Cheryl retired from Holzer Health Systems in 2013 at age 55, finally able to spend quality time with Danny and her grandchildren. Even in retirement, Cheryl continued to build a community with her co-workers and friends, working together to create a monthly luncheon for retirees to gather and fellowship, remembering the “good old days” and creating new memories together.
Cheryl has worn many hats — mother, wife, leader, supervisor, mentor, friend, caregiver, nurse. Even though she was of petite stature, Cheryl set the bar high. Regardless of which hat she wore, Cheryl was dearly loved by everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed.
Family and friends may call at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home on Sunday, July 7, 2019 for visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. At 3 p.m., the Nurse Honor Guard of the Ohio Valley will hold a ceremony in her honor. Following the ceremony, services will be conducted.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nurse Honor Guard of the Ohio Valley at Ohio Valley Bank, account #0584487 in her honor. Donations can also be mailed to chairwoman Jan Holcomb at 145 Ann Dr., Gallipolis, OH 45631. An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com