Hazel Smith

RUTHERFORD COLLEGE- Hazel Elizabeth Wilson Smith, 100, of Rutherford College died peacefully in her sleep at Catawba Regional Hospice on Sunday, July 17, 2016.

Born on June 2, 1916 in Burke County, she was the daughter of the late Bessie Mace Wilson and Marcus Rudolph Wilson. Hazel was a longtime member of Sweetwater Presbyterian Church which had a special place in her heart. She was a graduate of Morganton High School and worked in the hosiery industry before leaving to care for her children. In later years she was a valued employee of JCPenny for eighteen years from which she retired. Hazel loved her family and always placed their needs above her own. She was happiest when visited by any of them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Richard Iverson Smith; two infant siblings; brothers, James, Chester, Walter, Roy and Russell Wilson; sisters, Viola Bollinger ad Agnes Johnson.

Those left behind to cherish her memories are her son Iverson Smith and his wife Libby of Shelby; daughter, Phyllis Brown of Rutherford College with whom she made her home; grandchildren, Rob Brown and significant other Bessie Nester of Granite Falls, Matthew Brown and wife Ashley of Valdese, Kristine Cornett and husband Eric of Davidson, Sandy Champion and husband Phil of Shelby, Sharon Wilson and husband David of Shelby; great-grandchildren, Casey Brown, Matilyn Brown, Abigail Cornett, Tyler Cornett, Will Champion, Phillip and wife Erica Champion, Gracie and Katie Wilson; brother Clarence Wilson of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 3 PM at Sweetwater Presbyterian Church on Sweetwater Road in Hickory with Pastor Jeff Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2-3 PM at the church.

Memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658 or Sweetwater Presbyterian Church, 500 21st St SE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Smith Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.