Hazel Drake

Hazel Chappell Drake, 90, widow of Hugh Drake, Jr. passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Greenbriar at the Altamont. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama April 27, 1925. Bluff Park was her residence for many years. Funeral service will be at 2:00, October 31, 2015 at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the graveside service. The Reverend Angela Martin from the Bluff Park United Methodist Church will preside over the service. Hazel lived her entire life in the Birmingham area. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Marvin and Lily Chappell. Growing up she was a member of Brookhaven Methodist Church and graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1943. She married the love of her life, Hugh Drake Jr. They lived many years in Central Park prior to moving to Bluff Park where they became members of Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Hazel began work with the telephone company in 1947. After 32 successful years with Bell South, she retired to devote more time to her passion of walking and traveling with her husband, Hugh. They were married 46 years before his death in 2005. Hazel is survived by her nieces and nephews, Carole P. Lowe (Wayne), Helena, AL; Cheryl P. Richardson (Robert), Dothan, AL; Marvin J. Paulk, Birmingham, AL; Tim Etheridge (Vicki), Ft. Morgan, AL; and Bobbie Gore, Hueytown, AL. There are many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Hazel had one sister-in-law, Marion Drake Beal (Gene), Marietta, GA. Pallbearers are Marvin Paulk, Tim Etheridge, Robert Richardson, Bobby Richardson, Chris Richardson, Brett Richardson, Jason Nordyke. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street, Hoover, Alabama 35226.