Hazel Lawing

April 20, 1933 – October 20, 2025

Hazel Lawing, 92, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of grace, kindness, and quiet strength.

Born in London, England, on April 20, 1933, Hazel’s early years were shaped by the challenges of World War II. Even as a young girl, she carried herself with a poise and resilience that would define her for the rest of her life. It was in post-war London that Hazel’s story took a romantic turn — at a lively dance hall, where she met a charming young American Air Force serviceman named Richard Lawing. Their connection was instant, and soon after, love bridged the ocean. Hazel began a new life in the United States, where she and Richard built a home filled with laughter, faith, and devotion. She worked for First Union/Wachovia bank for 25 years.

Hazel was the picture of class — elegant but genuine, strong yet tender-hearted. She lived each day with high integrity and treated everyone she met with warmth and respect. She loved spending time with friends — Jim and Pat Hannibal, Ray and Nida Bailey, and Eddy and Kay Via — especially over a good meal, and she never passed up an opportunity to see a musical. Hazel found joy in simple pleasures — tending to her flower garden, where she nurtured beauty with the same care she gave those around her, and dancing at Coyote Joe’s, where her laughter and energy lit up the room. In her later years, she found great joy in supporting the athletic teams and musical groups at Mountain Island Charter School, where her son Brian teaches. Whether she was cheering from the bleachers or chatting with students and staff, Hazel brought her trademark kindness and spirit wherever she went.

Family meant everything to Hazel. Even after the loss of her beloved husband Richard in 2010 and her son Robert in 2004, Hazel continued to embody grace and gratitude in every season of life. She is survived by her brother Robin Hughes, her sister-in-law Kay Hughes, her loving son Brian Lawing, daughter-in-law Cynthia Lawing, and her granddaughters, Rachel (and husband, Seth Dawes) and Rebekah, who will carry forward her spirit of kindness, elegance, and strength.

Hazel’s life was a beautiful story — one of courage, love, and joy in simple moments. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family will receive guests at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (110 S. Main St, Mount Holly, NC) in the fellowship hall from 5:30-7:30 on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. There will be a private graveside service on Thursday, October 30.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.