Hazel Gibson McQuaig

She was born September 23, 1933, in Waynesville, GA, to the late Benjamin Franklin Gibson and Alice Thornton Gibson. She was the fourth of five children. When she was fifteen her family moved to Brunswick where she graduated from Glynn Academy at the age of sixteen.

Hazel loved to travel. She enjoyed trips with her sister, Joyce, to Canada, destinations throughout the United States, and several cruises. She also cherished traveling to Germany with her oldest brother, Clarence, and her niece, Gale. In addition to traveling, she enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.

Known as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Hazel was a warm and loving presence in their lives. She loved to giggle and had a way of making everyone feel at home. Whether gathered around the table for a meal, playing card games, or simply sitting and talking, she found her greatest joy in being surrounded by the people she loved. Family gatherings were especially dear to her, and she was deeply devoted to her family, always taking pride in the connections she helped nurture and keep strong.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Leonard Knudsen McQuaig; daughter, Karen McQuaig Morris; brothers, Clarence Gibson and Carl Gibson; sister, Lois Howard; brothers-in-law, Willie Connor and Nolan Howard; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Gibson and Jane Gibson; son-in-law, Harvey H. Cooper; nieces, Gale Bagwell and Jan Gibson; and, great-nephew, David Howard.

Survivors include daughter, Kathy McQuaig Cooper of Brunswick; sister, Joyce Gibson Connor of Charleston, SC; and son-in-law, Terry Morris of Gulf Breeze, FL. In addition, she is survived by grandchildren Robert Hamlett (Juana) of Stafford, VA; Christopher Cooper (Joanna) of Meridianville, AL; Regan Wood (Geoff) of Raleigh, NC; Kristin Morris of Gulf Breeze, FL; Caroline Morris of Tampa, FL; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great grandson-in-law; 4 nieces; 3 nephews; 9 great nieces and nephews and other loving family.

A memorial service will be held February 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in Twitty Chapel at First Baptist Church Brunswick, 708 Mansfield Street, Brunswick, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church (708 Mansfield Street, Brunswick, GA 31520); St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105); or, Hospice of the Golden Isles (1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA.