Margaret Frayer

Margaret Leona Frayer, age 84, of 5 Woodhouse Ct, Irmo, SC, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on May 18, 1941, in Belgrade, Montana, to John ("Jack") and Grace Nutter.

She cherished her childhood in Montana, growing up with 5 siblings, who called her “Sis.” She was especially fond of the time she spent with her grandmother and grandfather Nutter, who lived nearby on a farm beside the Gallatin River. They loved Jesus and shared their faith with Margaret, laying a spiritual foundation that remained an important part of her life.

Margaret was known for her strength and determination, qualities well captured in her high school senior yearbook quote: “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.” It was an apt reflection of her confident and spirited nature.

In 1962, Margaret married Donald Haase. While living in Richland, Washington, they welcomed three sons, Gary, Dale, and Brian who she lovingly mothered.

In February 1966, Margaret came to faith in Jesus Christ and followed Him faithfully throughout her life. Her faith was a guiding light, shaping her character, her love for others, and the way she lived each day.

She and Donald moved to Miami, FL due to a job change, and, following a divorce, Margaret moved with her sons to Columbia, SC where Margaret worked as an administrative assistant for the University of South Carolina and then Midlands Technical College.

On Valentines Day in 2010, Margaret and Wilson “Wil” Frayer were married in Irmo, South Carolina. Together, Wil and Margaret shared several joyful years, building a life filled with companionship and love until his passing in 2018.

In addition to being a devoted mother and proud grandmother, Margaret had a special gift for caring for others in need, particularly children and the elderly. At one point in her life, she worked in a nursing home in Livingston, Montana, where she compassionately served those who could no longer care for themselves. She often shared many wonderful and memorable stories from that time, reflecting both her sense of humor and her deep compassion.

Margaret kept an impeccably clean home, set a beautiful table, and found it difficult to say goodbye on the phone with those she loved—usually ending calls with, “I’ll wait to hear from you. Love you. Shalom.” She was a loyal friend and a determined soul whose presence would readily bring a smile to those around her. She lived a life grounded in faith in Jesus Christ and unwavering support to her family, friends, and church community. She also found joy in the simple beauty of nature, especially her love of birds.

Margaret continued to follow Jesus throughout her life and is now joyfully at peace in His presence for eternity.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her two brothers, Charles and Bill, and her three sisters, Nancy, Eileen, and Sharon. She is also survived by her three sons:

· Gary, his wife Jeanette, and their daughter Alicia (and her sons Adam and Jacob)

· Dale, his wife Barbi, and their six children Brandon (wife Hannah, and daughter Grace), Jenna (husband Jason and children River, Jonas, Wade, and Ellis), Kristen, John Mark, Sally, and Davy (wife Katie and son Moses), and

· Brian, his wife Amy, and their 3 children Hansel, Heidi, and Haegen

· Altogether, she had 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren!

Margaret is deeply missed and forever loved. Her family is deeply comforted in the knowledge that, upon passing on, she was greeted by her Redeemer with the words “well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

A memorial service for Margaret will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Columbia in the Smith Chapel on April 4, 2026 at 11 am.

Flowers are welcome or consider, in lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory to first Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC.