In every school there are those teachers, coaches, administrators and others whose presence, passion and energy leave a mark on the hearts and minds of those walk through its doors. They are those extraordinary and unique people who seem to be larger than life, who give and give and give and keep giving, even when it seems there is no end in sight.

At the Community School of Davidson, in Davidson, North Carolina, that person was Maw Maw — a woman whose warmth, kindness and dedication shaped the school in ways that will never be forgotten. A hard worker, a leader, a confidant and a friend to so many, she was always there, giving tirelessly of herself no matter the time, the day or the task.

Mother to CSD’s founder and first executive director, Joy Warner, Maw Maw (Donna Frazier) was born in 1940 in Arkansas. Even as a child, she had a strong work ethic. When her father would leave for the fields, she would sneak out to pick all sorts of things – cotton, green beans, fruit; she picked it all. She hated being stuck in the house.

That passion for working stayed with her for her whole life.

When Joy Warner decided to open a charter school, Maw Maw was the first to volunteer to help. Along with her late husband “Paw Paw” she helped grow the school from behind the scenes. She helped the Children’s Community School build its foundation.

As the staff and number of students grew, and the school changed its name to Community School of Davidson (CSD), Maw Maw was always there, all day and every day doing whatever was needed, always with a smile and an open heart.

No job was too big or too small and, in her eyes, no one was above doing anything and everything if it made the school better and helped students learn and grow.

If you were to ask current and former students about their favorite Maw Maw memories, most would probably say it was being a “trash kid” in elementary and middle school.

“Trash kids” was Maw Maw’s way of teaching responsibility. She would pair two kids together, and at the end of every single school day, they would go around the entire school, stopping at each classroom to grab and dump the trash then replace it with a fresh bag.

They would roll the trash around in a big can, and after making the rounds, they would drop it in the outside bins then return to Maw Maw’s room.

When they finished their rounds, Maw Maw always greeted them with a dollar bill, a piece of candy and a cold bottle of water.

Maw Maw’s generosity was one of the many things CSD students cherished about her.

“My favorite memory of Maw Maw was her giving us candy and a dollar for picking up trash each day,” Ellie Puma (‘25) said.

In some schools, collecting trash is a job students would hide from doing, but with Maw Maw at CSD it was a prized and cherished opportunity.

Now a senior, five year “trash kid,” Alex Dubois has one particular memory that has stuck with him.

“My favorite thing about ‘trash kids’ was the end-of-year pizza parties she provided for everyone,” Alex Dubois (‘25) said. “She bought all the pizzas by herself, which showed her love and care for everyone.”

That was the part everyone loved about being a “trash kid,” that sense of community and that sense of belonging. And that is why so many people joined. Maw Maw didn’t just teach responsibility, she also taught students how to work well together for the betterment of the school.

Her warm and welcoming presence left a lasting impression on many students.

“My favorite memory of her was her smile,” Josh Teckenbrock (‘27) said.

She was always there to offer guidance and encouragement.

“She was always super sweet to me and always gave me good advice,” Makayla Escobar (‘27) said.

Even in moments of discipline, Maw Maw’s kindness shined through.

“I got in trouble, and I had to clean up with just Maw Maw,” Bryson Calkins (‘27) said. “She was very comforting and a great influence on me.”

Her small acts of kindness made students feel special.

“I remember being in elementary school, and she would always try and sneak me lollipops,” Adelaide Wells (‘26) said.

Maw Maw took pride in her work and expected the same from those around her. Even teachers felt her energy and dedication.

“She was super spunky and always particular about how she wanted things to be done. She wanted nothing less than perfection,” Jannis Houlihan, Math 3 and AP Statistics teacher, said.

Maw Maw taught students valuable life skills through her structured yet caring approach.

“I was a ‘trash kid’ and she was very good at keeping things organized and making sure everyone stayed on task, even though we were young,” Callie Hobbs (‘25) said.

Of the countless ways to describe her, it is fair to say no one represented the Community School of Davidson better than she did.

Maw Maw passed away on February 6th, 2025.

Maw Maw’s impact on CSD will never fade.

Her kindness, hard work and genuine care for each student leaves a mark that can never be erased.

Everyone who knew her will miss Maw Maw’s smile and the way she made everyone feel seen and valued.

Though she may no longer be physically present, her spirit and soul is with the Spartan community every day.

Her spirit lives in the lessons she taught – lessons of responsibility, teamwork and love.

Maw Maw will always be a part of this school, and her memory will continue to inspire for years to come.