Hazel DeShields Vickrey

Hazel passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 94 on June 23, 2014. She was the daughter of Otto David DeShields and Della Maude Harris DeShields of Ft. Deposit, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband Lt. Col. Dewitt Derry Vickrey of 47 years, her parents, her brothers Winston Eugene DeShields of Huntsville, Alabama, and Malcolm Otis DeShields of Corpus Christi, Texas. She is survived by one daughter Susan Vickrey Ogilvie and her husband Russell Jennings Ogilvie of Shreveport, LA. Two sons Stanley DeShields Vickrey and wife Wendy of Bossier City, LA., and Randall Dewitt Vickrey and wife Paula of Leavenworth, Washington. Six grand children, Shannon DeShields Morris and husband Thaddeus of Bozeman, Montana, Shawn Patrick Murphy of Ruston, LA., Lauren Murphy Allen and husband Kyh of Dixie, LA., Austin DeShields Vickrey of Shreveport, LA., and Randall Tyler Vickrey of Leavenworth, Washington, and Russell Blake Ogilvie and wife Kelle of Bossier City, LA., Three great grand children, Sarah Riley Morris and McKenna DeShields Morris of Bozeman, Montana and Jennings Kate Ogilvie of Bossier City, LA., and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Hazel was born December 30, 1919 in Ft. Deposit, Alabama at the parsonage behind FT. Deposit Methodist Church while her parents were visiting the preacher and his wife. She met her husband “Vic” Vickrey while attending a 4-H Club Camp at Gulf Shores, Alabama. Vic was with the Alabama Extension Service and she was there as a chaperone for a group of 4-H club children.

Hazel loved life and everyday tried to make the world a little better for her family, friends, and the people she met as a teacher for 39 years. She taught in the public schools in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and Bossier City, Louisiana. She believed in unconditional love which she showered on her students and they loved her. She began teaching in 1942 in Autauga County, Alabama after completing her two years at Troy State Teacher’s College. There was a desperate need for teachers during World War II so with her two year certificate she began her teaching career. Several years later she received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education form Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas. She retired in 1985 from Curtis Elementary in Bossier City, LA.

Hazel spent many hours during World War II entertaining the troops with her piano playing, singing, tap dancing, along with selling of war bonds. She was always willing to share her gift of music by directing talent shows at Church, schools or where ever the need.

Hazel was an active member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church since 1964. She loved the Lord, her Church and Church family. Throughout those years she served as President of the Wesleyan Service Guild, President of the Chancel Choir, United Methodist Women, and taught Sunday School. She also served as a volunteer and played the piano and sang for the residents at Live Oak, The Glen, Montclair, Azalea Estates and many others around Shreveport. Her special love was starting a singing group called “Hazel’s Dolls” which were 2,3,4, and 5 year old boys and girls at Broadmoor United Methodist Church. She retired from playing the piano and teaching songs to the children of “Hazel’s Dolls” in 2010.

Hazel was an excellent cook and became famous for her chocolate fudge, pimento cheese sandwiches and chocolate chip pound cake. She insisted on cooking each Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners by herself until she was 91 years old. Just like giving up cooking for us, not driving anymore and moving to Azalea Estates, she made all of those decisions herself and did it with grace and dignity. Her independence was most important to her. Her positive attitude, vivacious personality, encouraging words, unconditional love and brilliant smile will surely be missed by everyone that knew her. There was only one Hazel, one “ Puddie” and known especially to her children as “ Our Sweet Mama”.

The family wishes to thank so many friends, caregivers, Broadmoor United Methodist Church Family, friends and staff at Azalea Estates, Montclair, and Circle of Life Hospice. Your love, prayers and support comforted us through this end of life journey for a lady that had an amazing life.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Webb, David Billingsley, Tommy Kerr, Dr. Larry Hiller, James Gillespie, Tim Givens, Dale Cathcart, Mark Sexton and Julius Savant. Honorary Pallbearers are Don Sibley and former members of “Hazel’s Dolls”

Visitation will be on Friday, June 27 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery 8801 Mansfield Rd. Shreveport, LA 71108. Funeral services will be conducted for Hazel Harris DeShields Vickrey on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 9:00 A.M. at Broadmoor United Methodist Church. The Rev. Ken Irby and Rev. Kathy Wafer will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery 8801 Mansfield Rd. Shreveport, LA 71108.

The family request that memorials in her name be made to Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA. 71105