Hazel Shepardson

Hazel Shepardson, 94, passed away Tuesday morning, August 31, 2010. She is preceded by her husband, Frank who died December 7, 1988. She is survived by her son, Phil, her cousin Libby (Perry) Fletcher wife of Milton Fletcher of Dunwoody Georgia, and cousins Richard Smith of North Carolina and Perry, wife of Fred Entrekin living in North Carolina also. Hazel was a free spirit born in Albany Georgia. She graduated from high school in Valdosta, Georgia. She later moved to Dallas, Texas where she met the man of her life and husband for 49 years, Frank Shepardson at the company where they both worked, Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. Hazel and Frank were married June 10, 1939, but would shortly be separated by World War II. While Frank served as an officer in the army in the South Pacific, Hazel drove a ambulance for the Red Cross. They both were of a spirit that kept America alive during a difficult time. In the late fifties, they moved with their son to Houston, Texas.

Hazel was a homemaker who was involved with the community. For a time she did volunteer work at Texas Children’s Hospital. She got her BA at University of Houston late in life. She worked as a model for a time. She was a member of Garden Clubs of Houston, where she was also horticulture judge.

Hazel was a lady of strong will and a lover of life. She loved her freedom and would have all people be free. She would encourage others to learn to do for themselves so as not to be dependent on others. She volunteered her time to tutor those who had dropped out of school, encouraging them to get their GED and also tutored children of visitors from other countries to acclimate them into our language and culture.

Hazel will be missed by her family and friends. There will not be another like her, but that is the way it should be. She would say, “Don’t try to be like me. Stand up and be yourself.” Bye, Lady and rest in peace. The memory of your life will be an inspiration to others.