Lola "Hazle" (Johnson) Brown

Lola Hazle Brown, 86, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Spring Park Assisted Living in Travelers Rest, SC.

Born in New Boston, TX formerly of Fayetteville and Hendersonville NC, she was the daughter of the late Clifton Johnson and Susie Johnson. While working at the Smith County Federal Courthouse in Tyler, Texas, a co-worker introduced her to James, her future husbandand faithful companion for 55 years. Hazle was a stay-at-home mom during her children’s early years. As the children grew, with the prospect of college in both of their futures, Hazle bought an inactive print shop, and trained herself to be an offset printer. She re-opened the business as Lone Star Graphics in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She closed the business shortly after her daughter graduated college. She was a strong Christian active in several churches over the years, actively participating in the choir, Women’s Missionary Union, Sunday School Secretary, Youth camp cook, Wednesday Night supper cook, and Craft Fair organizer. She and James became heavily involved in the Western North Carolina chapter of Campers on Mission. They participated in state and national rallies as well as many mission projects. Hazle greatly enjoyed cooking and loved preparing meals for her family and friends in ministry. She was widely known for her sourdough bread and apple butter.

Hazle was predeceased by her husband, James Edward Brown; and is survived by her son: Rex Todd (Suzanne) Brown of Travelers Rest, SC; her daughter: Susan Lynniece Somers (Owen) of Phoenix, AZ; 9 grandchildren: Abigail Leigh Williams (Craig), Phillip Edward (Lauren) Brown, Samuel Lee Yeargin, Adam Jonathan (Ellie) Brown, Alexander Somers, Andrew Zachary (Lauren) Brown, Zachary Somers, Samuel Wheeler Brown, and Jacob Daniel Brown; great-grandchildren: Walker James Brown, Braxton Matthew Williams, Knox Pierce Williams, Charlotte Elyse Brown, Ella Grace Brown, Mackenzie Leigh Williams, Brayden Hunter Brown, and Waylon Jonathan Brown.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory Cemetery at 994 New Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC with Rev. Ray Talley officiating. Hazle will lie in state from 12:00-5:30 PM Wednesday, April 6, 2022, 8:00 AM until 5:30 PM Thursday, April 7, and until 12:00 PM on Friday, April 8 in the Dogwood Room at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian where friends may view and sign the register book.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hazle’s name may be made to the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.