Hazel B. Whitaker

Hazel B Whitaker, 95, claimed her salvation, Saturday, February 27th, after a long battle with pneumonia, at St. David's South Austin Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Anna Gold; all six of her siblings; her husband, Clarence Whitaker; and her grandson, Mike Muennink and wife Tammy. Hazel was born in Mendoza, Texas in 1914 and while an infant moved to the Mountain Home/Kyle, Texas area. When she was old enough, Hazel helped on the family farm; one of her least enjoyable chores; picking cotton. She married Clarence in 1934 and moved to Austin in 1937. Hazel was a career homemaker and for a time provided day care in her home. She accepted Christ, as her Savior, when a child, and as an adult was very active in her church. She taught Sunday school at Baptist Temple in East Austin, and when the family moved to South Austin, she was active in South First/Oak Meadows Baptist Church, and was a member of First Baptist Oak Hill, at her death. Hazel will be remembered as Mother, Miss Hazel, Grandma, Nonniehicker and Mrs. Whitaker. She was renowned among family and at church socials for her chocolate and coconut pies, fried chicken, and tea cakes. She loved to play games, Wahoo, Canasta, dominoes, and loved to block the game. For the last few years, Hazel lived at Golden Age Home in Lockhart, Texas where she still celebrated life, as best she could. Even as the end approached, Hazel treated others with respect, dignity, and expressions of gratitude. Hazel is survived by her children, Bob Whitaker and wife Grace, Mary Muennink and husband Ken; four grandchildren, Craig Whitaker, Larry Whitaker and wife Eileen, Randy Muennink and wife Monica, Shari Chaffin and husband Dennis; ten great-grandchildren, Adam, Benjamin, Danielle, Heather, Jason, Joseph, Molly, Riley, Shawna and Victoria; three great-great-grandchildren, Audry, Daisy, and Hunter. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel with Reverend Ken Baldwin officiating. Interment will follow at 12:00 pm at Forest Oaks Cemetery. After interment, the family will receive friends at First Baptist Oak Hill, 6907 Convict Hill Road, Austin, for lunch. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Golden Age Home and St. David's South Austin Hospital for the love, compassion, and care provided the family and Hazel.