Hazel Ann Claxton

Hazel Ann Churchill Claxton died peacefully at home on July 30, 2020. Born December 1, 1946 in Bethnal Green, London, England, Hazel loved her home city, and was a proud British citizen for her entire life. In 1967, she fell in love with a dashing American Airman, Don Claxton, with whom she celebrated 52 years of marriage in February. Together they lived in California, Kansas, North Carolina, Texas, Oxfordshire, Florida, and Virginia. Hazel’s family was everything to her. She loved her two sons, Michael and Geoffrey, with all her heart, a love that was only matched by her love for her grandchildren, Ashley and Logan, and her great-grand-children, Leigh and Chase. Hazel was well known for her kindness. She worked in the nursery at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church for nearly two decades, caring for many children who will never forget her. She was also a nanny to several local families, and she loved their children like they were her own. Hazel’s love of animals led her to adopt a variety of pets, including ducks, parakeets, a dove, a cat, and dogs. So many dogs. Her love of and compassion for dogs led her to the Animal Aid Society, where she served for two decades, developing and managing the original website for the organization, leading to hundreds of dogs finding their “furever homes.” She took and edited every adorable photo and wrote every flattering description until 2017, pouring her heart and soul into that organization. Several of those lucky dogs found a home with her and Don, including Penny, Hilly, Judy, Georgie, Zipper, Buddy, and her beloved Poppy. Hazel was an active member of the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association, a group that brought her much joy, and resulted in many deep friendships. She never stopped missing England, but her membership in this group helped her feel connected to her home. Hazel is survived by her husband, Don W. Claxton; her son Geoffrey S. Claxton; her son, Michael S. Claxton, his wife, Andrea Johnson Claxton, their children, Ashley Claxton Knight (Dave) and Logan Claxton; her great-grandchildren, Leigh and Chase Knight; her brother, Allan Churchill (Jean); step-sisters, Denise Mutlow and Jill Churchill (Dennis); beloved cousin, Lesley Crewes, who was like a sister to her; beloved cousins, Ken Whippey (Vanessa) and Dave Whippey (Margaret); her daughter-of-the-heart, Katy Dean (Timothy); her mother-in-law, Gerry Claxton; her brother-in-law, Jerry D. Claxton; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, George and Vera Churchill; her step-mother, Hilda Churchill; her nephew, Paul Churchill; her father-in-law, Eunice Claxton; and her sisters-in-law, Sue Claxton and Bonnie Claxton. A celebration of Hazel’s life is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Va 23666. Because of the governor’s orders, attendance must be limited to 50 people, and everyone must wear a mask. In honor of her memory, please consider making a donation to the Peninsula SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601.