Hazel Gray

Hazel Gray, age 91, of Northport, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Hazel’s life was one of warmth, dedication, and service, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories.

Hazel was born on May 29, 1933, and was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was known for her nurturing spirit and boundless generosity, which she extended to everyone she encountered.

A woman of many talents, Hazel had a deep love for gardening and cooking, always finding joy in the simple pleasures of growing her own flowers and vegetables, which often found their way into delicious meals she shared with family and friends. Her home was a reflection of her creativity, filled with the fragrance of blooming plants and the comforting aroma of her culinary creations.

In her professional life, Hazel worked as a bookkeeper, where her meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills made her a respected figure. However, it was her time at the family-owned Motel Moonwinks Lodge and Lamplighter Restaurant that truly defined much of her adult life. Hazel poured her heart into them, ensuring they were not only well-managed but also warm and welcoming spaces for everyone who visited. Her friendly presence and unwavering dedication were the backbone of these establishments for many years.

Hazel’s love for hospitality, gardening, and the culinary arts formed the foundation of her legacy, touching the lives of everyone who knew her. She made every person feel like family, whether through a home-cooked meal or a kind word of encouragement. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Gray; parents, Herbert and Lena Newberry; and brother, Bill Newberry.

Hazel is survived by her son, Daniel Gray; and two granddaughters, Kori and Lauren Gray.

A visitation for Hazel will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 3802 Watermelon Road, Northport, Alabama 35473, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.