Hazel Mae Brown

Hazel Mae Brown of Elk Park, NC, was carried peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Hazel gained her wings after a short, but intense illness. She was born April 19, 1951, in Crossnore, NC to Pearl (Harmon) Brown.

Hazel loved the outdoors and nature. She was an avid gardener and birdwatcher. She fed and watched the wild birds in her yard. She also loved to take walks around the area where she grew up.

For all her life, Hazel loved cats. She cared for strays as well as having a couple of her own. She went to great lengths to make sure they had all they needed and even a little extra.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Ira and Pearl Brown and sister, Macie Brown (Junior).

She is survived by her longtime partner, Bill Lee of the home, nephew Cecil Brown of Elk Park; niece, Lora Taylor (David) of Franklin, NC; great niece, Kayla Brown Buchanan (Derrick) of Linville, NC; and great nephew, Jim Taylor (Mel Gamez) of Franklin, NC.

Her three sweet, great, great nephews surely will miss her. Caden Vance, Caleb Vance, and Grayson Buchanan all made Hazel's eyes sparkle when they visited. Her cousin, Katie Green of Newland was special to her. They called each other every day.

Family graveside services and burial were held Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Lee Cemetery on Blevins Creek Road.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Avery County Humane Society.

We want to thank Watauga Medical Center for their excellent professional, yet loving care of Hazel.

To send online condolences please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com