Hazel Gardner, age 94, formerly of Locust Grove, Georgia passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Hazel was reunited in Heaven with her parents, four brothers and her beloved husband of 63 years, Bill Gardner.
Bill and Hazel moved away from Locust Grove, shortly after their marriage, to Orlando then Jacksonville FL, before finally settling in the Birmingham, AL where they raised both of their sons. After Bill's retirement in 1978, they made their way back to “the Grove”. Hazel worked in the banking industry and in 1992 retired from Trust Company Bank of Henry County, formerly Farmer’s Bank of Locust Grove.
She served as the Locust Grove Women’s Club secretary; served as secretary and church clerk for First Baptist Locust Grove for many years and was a Member of Grace Baptist Church at her death.
Hazel served her family and church faithfully with love and dedication, faithfully supported her husband Bill as the wife of a politician and peach farmer.
She had a passion for tending to her flower gardens and always kept fresh cut flower arrangements in her home. Many friends and family members are still enjoying plants and flowers from her yard. She also inherited a love of cooking; baking and serving everything with love from everyday meals to festively decorated holiday gatherings. Coconut Cake, her mother (Ruby Hammock’s recipe) is a Christmas tradition.
Those left to carry on Hazel’s legacy and traditions include her sons Charles (Susan) Gardner of Birmingham, AL and Randy (Shelly) Gardner of Jekyll Island, GA. Grandchildren Will (Jessica) Gardner, Mary Margaret (Jim) Chapman, Ben (Micah) Gardner, Gray Gardner, Joel (Kayla) Gardner and Lorie (Ethan) Henning. She was also blessed to be remembered by 8 great grandchildren and her 3 sisters; Mary Jo Leverette, Ann Gardner, Linda Branan.
Her family and friends recall a quiet and gentle spirit. Her memory and recall were incredible, even up to her last days. She wanted to serve others and never complained. Without a doubt, she was a sweet, dedicated, classy, Southern Bell, a true Proverbs 31 woman.
In lieu of flowers, please make Donations to Grace Baptist Church, PO Box 810, Locust Grove GA 30248.
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