Hazel Marie Jackson Herring

Hazel Marie Jackson Herring, age 92, of Austin, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015, after a brief stay at Westminster Healthcare Center. She was born on December 9, 1922, in Queen City, Texas, to her parents Charles Alfred Jackson and Gladys Milton Hunt Jackson. Hazel is predeceased by her parents, sister, Ruby Jackson Gunther, and husband of 62 years, Jack Herman Herring. The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the medical and care giving people who were so very kind to Hazel offering their tender care. They are Dr. Michael Pellegrini, the Seton Hospital ER and Sixth Floor staff, Westminster Healthcare Center, the numerous care givers with Health at Home and Brookdale Personalized Living, and Hospice Austin. Spiritual care was offered through Westminster Presbyterian Church by Rev. William Clark, Pastor, and the fellowship of Westminster Presbyterian Church. The family also thanks the friends who are residents of Westminster Manor who were so faithful in their visits to Hazel.

Hazel grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, graduated from Lyford High School, where she met Jack Herring, her future husband, and attended Texas College of Arts and Industries, Kingsville. Her working years were as the Chief Deputy in the Willacy County Clerk's Office, Raymondville, and as a secretary in the Texas House of Representatives, Austin.

Hazel was married to Jack Herman Herring on February 5, 1943. He predeceased Hazel on February 21, 2005. During their years together they lived in Bay City, Texas, Houston, Texas, Findlay, Ohio, and retired to Austin, Texas. Two children, daughter, Judith Ann Herring Winter, married to William C. Winter, and son, David Robert Herring, were born in Bay City. The children both reside in Austin.

Hazel's spiritual life was centered on her church and mission trips. Her memberships included First Baptist Church, Bay City, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Houston, First Presbyterian Church, Findlay, Ohio, and Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin, where she served as a Deacon and Elder.

Hazel thoroughly enjoyed being a participating member of all the social organizations in which she was affiliated. She was a National President of Women's National Farm and Garden Association and through WNFGA she was a delegate to the Associated Country Women of the World, a UNESCO group, and represented WNFGA at the U.S. National Arboretum where they planted a dogwood tree in her honor. Hazel was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, Beta Sigma Phi, Findlay Country Club, Findlay Square Dance Club, Austin Country Club, Onion Creek Club, Tarry House, Austin Woman's Club, Docents of the Texas Governor's Mansion, Austin Symphony Guild, The University of Texas Chancellor's Council, and the English-Speaking Union.

Travel occupied Hazel's time when family and volunteer commitments did not require her attention. She was a world traveler and so enjoyed meeting the people of different cultures and seeing all of the varying flora and fauna. Favorite events were her swim in the Amazon with some residents, sitting with curious penguins in Antarctica, and riding an elephant in India along a flower strewn path.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30pm on Monday, February 16, 2015, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Blvd., with the Rev. William F. Clark, Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Blvd., Austin, TX 78703; The Friends of the Neill Cochran House Museum, National Society of Colonial Dames of America, 2310 San Gabriel, Austin, TX 78705; or Women's National Farm and Garden Association, The Hazel Herring Award, Corresponding Secretary Audrey Ehrler, 5004 Harbour Dr., Oxford, FL 34484; or a charity of their choice.