Hazel Belle Parker

Hazel Belle Parker obituary, Maysville, NC

Hazel Belle Parker

Hazel Parker Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sayland Funeral Home Inc - Maysville on Oct. 14, 2025.

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Hazel Belle Small Parker, 93, of Maysville, North Carolina, passed away on October 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 9, 1932, to Emmett and Allie Belle Howard Small. Hazel was a devoted mother, grandmother and gardener, whose heart of gold touched everyone she met. Her absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends, and community, but her legacy of love, hard work, and kindness will live on in the fields and flower beds she tended and the hearts she warmed.
Hazel was born in Lenoir County, and later moved to Onslow County where she met the love of her life Leo. Together they developed a lifelong passion for nurturing the land. They grew crops and raised livestock with unwavering dedication. Her love for gardening was matched only by her devotion to her family. Hazel was a nurturing mother, to her two children, a doting "Grandma" to her four grandchildren, and her three great grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent cooking, sharing stories, listening to Waylon Jennings, and teaching them the ways of gardening. Her kitchen was a haven of warmth, filled with the aromas of her famous biscuits, collards, apple turnovers, cream corn, and coleslaw. Hazel always ensured everyone was fed and full, her generous spirit welcoming neighbors and strangers alike with a warm smile and homegrown vegetables. Known for her independence and frugality, Hazel was a pillar of strength and common-sense wisdom. She told it like it was, encouraging her family to confide in her no matter the trouble, always ready with a listening ear or a comforting hug. She helped Leo with everything-from working in the fields and fixing tractors to building shelters. Her hands could mend anything, from clothes to hurts, and her resilience carried her through life's challenges. Hazel loved to read her Bible and books, listen to country music, especially Waylon Jennings, and found joy in old TV shows like Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show, and Leave It to Beaver. Though she loved visiting, she was reserved and never wanted to overstay her welcome, often leaving gatherings early with a twinkle in her eye.
Hazel's thrifty, conservative nature and boundless kindness made her a blessing to all who knew her. Everyone who met her felt she was a special person, wishing they could have known her in her younger years. Even in her final year, as she faced struggles, her family rallied around her. She was surrounded by family and caregivers, Catherine and Tina, when she went home to Jesus, now free from sorrow, pain, or tears. Hazel is preceded in death by her husband Leo Parker and siblings, Helen Davis, Tyrus Small, Violet Pidcock and Joseph Small.
Hazel is survived by her children, Linda Johnson (George) and David Parker (Bonnie); her grandchildren, George Jr. (Sarah), Jamie (Ian), Jennifer (John) and Aaron; and her great-grandchildren, Parker, CJ, and Raylan. Visitation and funeral will be held at Sayland Funeral Home in Maysville, NC. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Hazel will be dearly missed, but her light will forever shine in our hearts and memories. Memorial donations may be made to SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House 100 Big Rock Way Newport NC 28570
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hazel, please visit our floral store.

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