Across the United States, the transformation of former morgues and funeral homes into condos, houses and apartments has become a growing trend, blending the past with new urban development.
The former Frazier Funeral Home, once a cornerstone of LeDroit Park, was founded in 1917 by Thomas Frazier. For years the business was a staple of the Black community in Washington, D.C. Today, the building that once housed the funeral home stands as a repurposed apartment complex. But behind its walls lie the whispers of a storied past, from civic leadership to deep-rooted community impact.
The Frazier legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Black Washingtonians, yet much of it remains untold. Frazier was more than just a funeral director—he was a civic leader, a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) treasurer, and a man dedicated to service.
The historical daily newspaper, The Evening Star (1852 -1981), published Frazier’s obituary on Dec. 22, 1959, outlining his impact beyond funeral services…