Hazel Pierce Oliver

Hazel Louise Pierce Oliver, age 100, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence E. Oliver; her parents, Lawrence Pierce and Louise Christopher Chalmers; her sister, Mary E. Chalmers; her brother, Jack W. Pierce Sr.; and her niece, Sally Dangott.

She is survived by a nephew, Jack W. Pierce Jr.; grandniece, Cathy Riggall; and grand-nephews Johnny Thompson and BJ Gearheart; and numerous cousins and great-grand-nephews and -nieces.

Hazel's grandfather, Abihue Christopher, was a Confederate veteran and was one of the pioneering families of Gadsden. Hazel attended the old Eleventh Street School and graduated from Gadsden High School when she was 17 in 1932. She was in the first Gadsden Symphony Orchestra, where she was first seat in violin. Hazel was also an avid swimmer and diver.

She attended Gadsden Business College, the Alabama School of Trades, and the University of Alabama-Gadsden Center. Hazel was employed at Ross-Gramling Furniture as a bookkeeper. She was on the staff of the Gadsden Business College. In 1955, she became employed with Life Insurance Company of Alabama, where she worked until her retirement.

Hazel was the matriarch of Gadsden's First United Methodist Church, where she served as member of the administrative board, the Wesleyan Circle, president of the United Methodist Women, was on the board of the Staff Parrish Relations Committee, and lay Delegate to the annual conference. Hazel taught the junior department of Sunday school for 30-plus years. She acted as a greeter for more years than anyone can recall.

Hazel was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and served as Chapter President, 2nd Vice-President of the Alabama State Division, and honorary life president. She was involved with placing the Emma Sansom marker near Black Creek in 1954. Hazel was a member and past present of Gadsden Music Club. She was a member of the Northeast Alabama Symphony and played as a violinist.

She was a charter member of the Friends of the Gadsden Public Library and served many hours as a volunteer. She also served on the Library Board of Directors. She was a charter member of the Gen. John H. Forney Historical Society, and a charter member of the Etowah Historical Society. Hazel has served on the Gadsden Museum Board of Directors and was inducted into the Patriot's Hall of Honor in recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication to the community. A proclamation was issued by the Mayor and City Council proclaiming March 31, 2015, as "Hazel Oliver Day" for her hours of service and dedication to the City.

Visitation is from noon to 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, at Gadsden First United Methodist, with funeral at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary. Burial is at Forrest Cemetery.

Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice; Lindsey Horton, R.N.; and Caregivers Lisa and Angel Croft. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Hazel's motto when asked about her longevity was, "You have to keep moving."

Collier-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.collier-butler.com.