Hazel Keith Shepherd

hazel shepherd

April 12, 1930 ~ December 19, 2023

Born in: Candler, North Carolina
Resided in: Hendersonville, North Carolina

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Memorial Tree Plantings

After a period of declining health, Hazel Keith Shepherd of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully on December 19th 2023, surrounded by family.

A native of the Beaver Dam Community of Candler, North Carolina, she was born on April 12th 1930, to Ila Van Buren Greene and Ovia Penland Greene before moving to the Mills River community in late 1936. Upon relocating to Henderson County, she attended the former Mills River High School and Mills River United Methodist Church.

Hazel was the last survivor of a large family of brother and sisters, all of whom worked collectively on their Mills River family farm.

She was married on June 4th 1949, to Grover Russell Keith of Hendersonville, who passed in 1970. Both were faithful members of Balfour Baptist Church and raised their children in the Balfour community. She later wed Henry L. Shepherd of Hendersonville. Hazel is survived by her three children; Kay K. Merrill (Bobby) of Hendersonville; Stephen R. Keith (Hazel) of Hendersonville; and J. Larry Keith (Denna) of Mills River. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren; Chad Merrill, Keith Merrill, Brandon Keith, Tara Keith, Autumn Keith Maddox, Sarah Keith Crane, and Kyle Keith; along with six great grand-children.

A gifted seamstress, she was employed by Spinning Wheel Rugs before finishing her career at Ruth of Carolina in the early 1970’s. After years in the textile industry, she continued her passion by crating handmade quilts of recognized designs and patterns. She also devoted her inherited gardening skills to the numerous flowerbeds around her Hendersonville residence, which brought her great joy.

The family wishes to acknowledge and express gratitude to the staff at Sunnybrook Assisted Living, Four Seasons Palliative Care, and Four Seasons Hospice.
Memorials may be made to all three organizations in Hazel’s memory.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Although we were not fortunate enough to know Hazel, we knew her son Larry , and his love for people, community, music, and incredible thoughtfulness is a credit to her, and what she modeled for her family. All our love goes to those who will miss her, but know that she’s in peace and was surrounded by those who loved her .

    Reply

  3. Over the years of being friends with Larry and Denna, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting Granny and hearing stories about her. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family who loved her dearly.

    Reply

  5. Sorry to see Hazel had passed. I bought a sofa from her and Henry many years ago and we stayed friends over the years. She was just the sweetest lady. Now she rest until Jesus comes for His faithful children, of which I believe she was. Rest in peace Hazel! Jesus is coming soon!!! May God bless the family!

    Reply

  6. Hazel your many friends at Ruth Originals enjoyed the time they shared with you. May God wrap his loving arms around your family and friends during this time of their loss.

    Reply

  7. This sweet lady was my mother-in-law for 11 years. She was a precious soul indeed, and will be missed! God tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” Hazel (Granny) definitely went to Heaven a-shoutin’ her love for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Love you, Granny! <3

    Reply

  10. Dear Kay, Steve, and Larry, So very sorry to hear that your mom has left us. Ms. Hazel was a very special and precious lady. Always so kind, upbeat, and a Godly lady. You’ll are so blessed to of had such a wonderful mom. Your family was one of my favorites in our Balfour church and community. Always enjoyed my Sunday afternoons at your house.My love and prayers are with all of you at this time and season. My God richly bless you and comfort you as only he can.♥️🙏♥️🙏

    Reply

  11. To Kay, Steve, Larry, Chad and Family: Hazel and I go back to the ’70s when Larry and I were in high school. My part-time job was at Ruth of Carolina. Hazel and I worked side by side singing hymns while we ironed interfacing on little girl’s dresses. Years later I worked with Chad at Blue Ridge. Hazel was a wonderful person and a joy to know. May God be with you and give you comfort. Love to all

    Reply

  12. I’m so so sorry for the entire family’s loss. I grew up being her neighbor from the time I was 3 yrs old, spent my entire childhood crossing that fence to go help her cook in the kitchen, learn to sew, help Steve in the yard, or do whatever she needed me to do, but my favorite thing was playing rummy with her, Henry, Steve and Bobby.
    She absolutely loved my banana bread and would ask all the time for me to make it for her.
    Life got so crazy and I wasn’t able to see her as much as I wanted the last year but she will forever have a special place in my heart.

    Reply

  13. What a wonderful, kind lady. Condolences to her entire family. My sisters (the Guice Girls) and I grew up with her daughter, Kay. My sister, Peggy Guice, was a high school friend of Kay’s. Also, I had the pleasure of working with Chad for many years at Blue Ridge Community College. My heart is with you during this difficult time.

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide