Hazel Abernathy

1928 - 2024

Hazel Abernathy

January 2, 1928 - October 30, 2024

Hazel Bailey Abernathy, 96, of Tex's Fish Camp Road, Connelly Springs, NC died October 30th. She was the ninth of 10 children of her beloved parents, Stanley and Lourah (Williams) Bailey. Hazel grew up on the farm, learning early values that never left her: hard work, Christian faith, singing in the choir, the love of family, the strength of community and the joy of helping others. After graduating from Hildebran High School, she began work at Alba-Waldensian, where she learned new skills and worked her way from the mill to shipping to the main office over the course of 49 years. After military service, Billy Jack Abernathy sought out his former schoolmate, beginning the happiest of marriages, each complimenting the other and sharing values of family, faith, hard work, generosity and service, until his death in 2012.

Hazel was a life-long member of Mount Harmony Church, singing in the choir from age 8, teaching Sunday School for 50 years, and serving as Treasurer of the Women's Society of Christian Service, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Membership Secretary, Chrismon Tree decorator, Delegate to the state conference, the giver of bridal and baby showers too numerous to count with her close friend, Mildred (Mickey) Wilson and whatever else was needed. When not working, making a garden, being Mom or serving at church, she could be found visiting family, pitching in to break beans or milk a cow as needed. Many a night was spent sitting with sick relatives at Valdese General Hospital, then going to work the next morning.

Hazel is survived by her children, daughter Gill Abernathy; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Ellen Abernathy; grandchildren, Christina and Kayla; three great-grandchildren; and caring nieces; and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings, Jones Bailey, Mary Sue Poteat, Mae Wortman, Gladys Pons, Pauline Bailey, Geneva Causby, James Bailey, Ruth Fulbright and Louise Short and their spouses. Her treasured church family abundantly shared their love, laughter, and gifts as they included her in the active life of the church even as age limited her. The staff of Trinity Village cannot be praised enough for their simple kindness and skilled care.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 3, at 3 p.m., at Mount Harmony United Methodist Church, Connelly Springs, NC, preceded by a receiving of friends from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Options for those wishing to send a memorial include Trinity Village (https://lscarolinas.net/OneTime), Mount Harmony Church, P.O. Box 157, Icard, NC 28666 or Community Foundation of Burke County, Billy and Hazel Bailey Abernathy Fund (https://www.cfburkecounty.org/endowments.html). Praise to her loving Lord whose provision for Hazel was abundantly clear on this earth and will be even more so in the glory of His heaven.

Heritage Funeral Service

1507 Main St. E. Valdese, NC 28690