Mrs. Hazel M. Macon

While Hazel grew up in a modest rural setting in Southmont, North Carolina, she quickly showed great promise. As co-valedictorian of her high school class, the school's principal urged Hazel’s family to send her to college. His help was instrumental in securing the loans needed to get her into Guilford College in 1937. There, she excelled. She was an athlete, student government president, and an honor graduate in the class of 1941. She also met her future husband in the process.

With the outbreak of World War II, she became a civilian employee of the US Army Air Corps Training Command in Fort Worth, Texas. It was not coincidental that this was the same post her fiancé, Seth Macon, was assigned to following his induction into the military service. The two were married in 1942 and remained so for nearly 73 years.

As was normal during the post war years, Hazel became a (great) stay-at-home mom and, later, the consummate corporate wife. In the latter role, she was a huge asset to Seth’s career bringing dignity and grace to every business event she was expected to attend.

While Seth’s extensive business travel left her with huge household and child rearing duties, she still found time to pursue personal interests. As an accomplished seamstress, she made many of her own clothes and she also created many needlework projects. She was a long-time Red Cross Bloodmobile volunteer, garden club member and avid antique buff. Through her life, she also invested a great deal of her time and resources to Guilford College and was constantly involved in alumni activities on that campus. In her personal life, Hazel demonstrated a strong Christian faith in her lifestyle, words, and actions. She and Seth have been loyal members of First Baptist Church for more than 60 years.

Once their children were grown, Hazel and Seth developed a keen interest in world travel. With him at her side, Hazel saw the pyramids of both Egypt and Latin America, the Great Wall of China, the wildlife of the Serengeti and the Galápagos Islands, the ruins of both Machu Picchu and Petra, the bustling streets of Tokyo, and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, the sights of Alaska with her entire family in-tow.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Elsie Monsees, and her brothers, Vestal and Raymond Monsees.

She is survived by her husband, Seth C. Macon, her daughter Carol Sleeper (Alan) of St. Michaels, Maryland, her son Randy (Debbie) of Greensboro as well as three grandchildren, Heather Sheppard (Christian) of Baltimore, Carrie Lindley (Mark) of Greensboro, and Seth R Macon of Greensboro. She is also survived by her great grandson Ryan Lindley, son to Carrie and Mark.

The extended family will participate in a private graveside service on Tuesday, January 27 at New Garden Cemetery followed by a 1:00PM memorial service, open to all, in the chapel of First Baptist Church, 1000 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401. The family will greet friends in the church atrium following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Greensboro located at the address above or to the proposed Welcome Center project at Guilford College, 5800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, North Carolina 27410.

On line condolences may be made at www.haneslinebnerryfuneralhomes.com.