Hazel Vicinda Smith, 88, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017, in Longview, Texas.
Hazel was born on Jan. 21,1929, in Roubidoux Township in Texas County, Mo., and was one of 11 children born to Walter and Julia Branson. She graduated from high school in Houston, Mo., where she briefly taught school before marrying Harold Wayne Smith of Licking on Oct. 23, 1947.
Hazel and Wayne moved several times in connection with his job with International Paper Co. and lived in Carthage, Texas, for more than 20 years before returning to their roots in Missouri in 1979. Hazel had returned to school when her children were mostly grown and received her LVN nursing certificate. She worked at hospitals in both Texas and Missouri, including Texas County Memorial Hospital, for more than 30 years before retiring at the age of 72.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, husband and all but one of her siblings.
She is survived by her sister, Vera June Hulett, of Milwaukee Wisc.; her four children and their spouses, Roger and Johnnie Smith from College Station, Texas, Reva and Layne Teague from Forest Grove, Ore., Leonard Smith and JoAnne Griffith from Mohnton, Pa., and LeAnn and Mike Bolwerk from Beckville, Texas; seven grandsons, Jerre Teague, Michael Smith, Chris Bolwerk, Stephen Smith, Josh Bolwerk, Max Smith and Dylan Smith; three great-grandchildren: Darcey Smith, Jack Smith and Emerson Smith; and many nieces and nephews, including Cathy Sirdoreus from Bucyrus and her sons, Ryan and Adam.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Fox Funeral Home, Licking, Mo., with Don Crockett of Oak Hill Christian Church officiating. Visitation is 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Hazel requested donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to Oak Hill Christian Church in Bucyrus, Mo., where she was a member. Online condolences may be made at www.foxfh.net.
PAID
