Hazel Thompson Harwell
May 22, 1925 ~ June 8, 2020
Born in:
Tuscumbia, AL
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Hazel Thompson Harwell passed away on June 8, 2020 at the Aston Park Health Care Center. She was 95. Hazel was born on May 22, 1925 in Tuscumbia, Alabama to William Issac and Clara Kate Thompson. She moved to Asheville in the late 30’s when her dad was transferred there by Southern Railroad. She attended Hall Fletcher Jr. High and Lee H. Edwards High School, graduating in 1943.
During her high school years, she met Bob Harwell, “that cute boy down on Pennsylvania Ave who was really good on skates”. On June 2, 1946, they were married in Calvary Baptist Church on Haywood Road. Together they raised two sons, Robert Troy III and John Lee.
Hazel stayed home and raised her children for the early part of their marriage, but joined the workforce as her kids grew. In 1963, she went to work as a drive-in teller at First Union Bank on Merrimon Ave. On July 22, 1988 she retired as Asst. Manager after 25 years of service at that same location. After her retirement, she continued to work part time for First Commercial Bank and A.G. Edwards Co.
Hazel was a people person who loved working with and being around others. She worked on many local election campaigns, volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, and was active in her church, Trinity United Methodist, where she was a member since 1946. She was Treasurer of the Lee H. Edwards class of ’43 which continued to have reunions well into the 2000’s.
Hazel had many titles over her lifetime, but the one she loved the most was “Grandmother”. From family beach trips to having help in her kitchen, to attending school functions and sporting events, or just having sleepovers, she relished it all.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her son Bobby. She is survived by her son, John Lee (Rebecca) of Asheville; daughter-in-law, Robin Hensley (George) of Russellville, TN; grandchildren, Troy, Isaac, Ian (Erica), Elizabeth (Jared), and John; and great-grandchildren, Tyron, Kendra, Laken, and Austin.
The family would like to thank the staff at Aston Park for their continued care over the last seven years.
There will be an outdoor service at 10:00 am, Saturday, June 13th on the lawn at Trinity United Methodist Church. Since gathering in these times is difficult, Hazel’s family would like to encourage you to honor her memory by doing the things she loved most, while remembering and celebrating her kindness, love, and devotion to others: make a pan of brownies and deliver to a friend, enjoy a plate of peanut butter crackers and a “classic coke”, or simply take a 2 mile walk around your neighborhood.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial Garden Fund.
Services
Memorial Service: June 13, 2020 10:00 am
Trinity United Methodist Church
587 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
828-253-5471
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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The Harwell family… So sorry to hear of Hazels, passing… She was a delightful person, I loved when she came to pick Liz up, when I babysat her. She loved those grandkids so much. Hazel was such a lively, spunky lady, and I have wondered many times how she was doing…. praying for all the family and her friends… I know she will be missed… My thoughts and prayers Carol Garrison…
Loved this sweet lady and customer of Gudger’s flowers
RIP Hazel
Hazel was one of the sweetest and most precious ladies. . I feel so privileged to have known her. I met her when she was a customer of mine at Byrd’s and later worked for FUNB and got to know her better. I thought she and Bob were the most striking couple. They always seemed so happy and youthful. So sorry for you loss, she was a class act!
My heart goes out to each of you! I worked with Hazel for many years at FUNB. Customers loved and always trusted her as their banker.
Hazel’s life was indeed her family. She was so proud of Bobby, Lee and their families. I will never forget her kindness, class and beautiful smile.
Special hug to Elizabeth who my family has got to know. She reminds me of her “Grandmother”.
God bless you all.
Kim Plemmons and Family
All of the Milholen family is so very sorry to see of sweet Hazel’s passing. We rejoice at her home going, and are sure that she is happily reunited with Bob and Bobby, and all of her loved ones. So many times she covered us all with her love and kindness, her warm smile and supporting hugs. And brownies! Always brownies to go with our Dad, Bill’s ice cream! We all hope those beautiful memories will comfort you, and that you are blessed with Grace and Peace now and always. You are in our prayers.💜
What a beautiful person she was. In all ways. I remember her smile as a kid. And the story my family likes to tell is about when she worked at FUNB. My great aunt was getting a bit older and forgetful and wrote a check for more than she had in her account. Rather than let it go through as an overdraft, Hazel called my cousin and told him so he could cover the check. That kind of service and kindness was a hallmark of Hazel’s style. I know it has been a long and agonizing time these last few years, but the good memories I hope will overshadow the trying times. Peace.
Mrs. Harwell was the gracious spirit of the First Union bank on Merrimon Avenue for many years, making all her clients feel welcome and valued. She will be remembered with great respect and fondness.
Lee, I am saddened to learn of your Mothers passing. Though I did not know her I do know you and did know your brother. It is clear by these acquaintances that she was a wonderful mother and person. I know that she will be missed, but I also know that you would not want her to linger if she was struggling at all. Gain your strength in the Lord and know that there are much greater things ahead if we trust in Jesus and his teachings.
Van and I are so sorry for your loss. We love all you guys. You will be in our prayers
I met Hazel and her best friend Judy Dale at about the same time. Judy would become my mother in law and Hazel a sweet friend. Hazel and other neighborhood friends had a wedding shower for Ron and me. It was my first exposure to southern ladies. How wonderful to have known such kindness for 40+ years.
Go gently sweet Hazel.
May the Lord comfort you, be your source of strength, and give you peace.
Lee and Family, we are so sorry for the loss of Hazel. With out a doubt, she was one of our favorite family members. A wonderful happy person that made me feel like one of her own. A jokester, with my Dad, always called him her Cuz. Eddie. She was there for my parents when they needed a helping hand. She was there for them when times were hard. A true caregiver. Although we were not related, except through the marriage of her sister Fran and my uncle Bill, I always felt a connection. She always showed me her love. She will be missed. our hearts go out to you and your family. Blessing to you all.
Lee,
Hazel was my Assistant Manager at the First Union National Bank North Asheville Branch in the early 1970s. She was a true Christian ‘lady’, who made a difference in my professional and personal life. She was one of the finest people I ever worked with in Banking, and she was a professional who always made one feel better for having been around her. She cared very much for her customers and fellow co-workers.
I regret not having visited her at Aston Park. My intentions were to do so, but I never followed up on them, and I am sorry.
You must have GOOD memories of your Mother and her ever present smile.
Have a GOOD evening.
Rick Ferguson
Betty Reece-Byrd, Chris MASHBURN and Marj Icenhower
My heart is saddened to hear about the passing of this dear sweet lady!!!! She was such a good neighbor and friend! I loved talking to her about working at the bank! My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Lee,
Oh how much I loved your Mother❤️ She was always welcoming, caring and loving. She loved all of the West Asheville kids and was supportive of each of us.
Hazel was a blessing to so many. Anyone she met, soon was her friend.
Praying for you and your family for comfort 🌹
I so loved Hazel. She sat behind my parents at Trinity UMC. She is the person who lovingly called my twins R&R (because she couldn’t tell them apart). I am still calling them R&R. Hazel was always a breath of sunshine to everyone she met. I pray for comfort and peace for you all as you share happy memories. Hugs
Lee and Becky, I so wished to be with you today so had to be there in spirit given these pandemic times. I really adored Hazel and she believed in David and me to give us our first mortgage. Her blue blue eyes danced with mirth and laughter. She was such a beauty and strong woman. Dave and I send lovelovelove to all you and am so sorry for your loss, especially at such a weird time in life. love you guys!
Susan Hickerson
Everyone I know loved Hazel – that certainly includes Betsy and me! I can see her smile now! Hazel, Betsy and I go way back to her first days at First Union, almost 60 years ago. We worked together at the Merrimon Avenue branch, her first assignment at the bank. WE had such a good staff and Hazel just made it better!! I have never worked with anyone so happy all the time, willing to help in any situation, and so helpful to everyone, customer or co-worker. Lee, we are sure you are very proud of your mother and so are we for having her as such a good friend.
Lee and family,
Hazel was always one of the sweetest. I have great memories of my childhood that included your family. She always had a smile on her face and seemed to enjoy life to the fullest!