Hazel G. Brown

On November 1, 2016, after an extended illness, Hazel Mozel Green, age 94, has ended the search for her beloved husband of 76 years, Ewell O. Brown, who preceded her in death on July 24th, 2015. Born on October 28, 1922, to James Willis (Jim) and Minnie Ethel Holley Green of the Blythe’s Chapel Community near Booneville, MS she has lived a long and charmed life. At the age of seven, she survived acute appendicitis which left her with chronic side effects requiring numerous hospitalizations and surgeries for the remainder of her life. Another heart breaking side effect was her inability to bear children. On the positive side of her childhood illnesses, she chose nursing as an avocation. Also, as the youngest of three children, she was influenced by the lingering death of the father in 1939 from the complications of diabetes.

While attending New Site High School she met the love of her life, a young man from the Hill’s Chapel community. Shortly before her 18th birthday and the death of her father, she married Ewell Brown on July 1st, 1939. It was during the depression and times were hard but they tried to continue farming for her mother. WWII started and the Army called Ewell. Due to her health, he was deferred until 1943. Hazel followed him to Ft. Bragg, NC for part of 1943 and 1944, but returned to Prentiss County when Ewell was sent to Europe in April of 1944. Although she was working and studying nursing he was fighting fiercely from Normandy through Europe until the surrender of Germany in May of 1945 they exchanged letters of love and encouragement almost every day. And her reunion with Ewell would be delayed until Christmas Day 1945 due to complications returning the soldiers to the states at the end of the war.

After the end of the war, they traveled with family and friends touring the United States from Florida to California sightseeing, visiting National Parks and visiting distant relatives.

In addition to nursing, Hazel assisted Ewell in his Dry Cleaning business by performing alterations. She loved children and assisted family and friends during times of need. She became the lifelong adopted mother to a young pastor of Candler’s Chapel Baptist Church who lovingly refers to her as MA.

Hazel was an active member of First Baptist Church in Booneville where she worked in the nursery, sang in the choir, played the hand bells, and performed in numerous holiday events. After age 55 she enjoyed participating in JoyMakers where she especially enjoyed the group excursions.

She rescued her mother when she was forced to move from her marital home because it had been constructed on land owned by her parents in the Blythe’s Chapel community. When an uncle, her mother’s youngest brother settled the family estate, Hazel set aside property for her at her home in Booneville providing space for a mobile home where she lived until she passed away on December 12th, 1977.

When her brother, Holley Green, became ill with terminal cancer she assisted her sister and mother with his care in Louisville, KY until his death in December 4th, 1965.

After retiring from the dry cleaning business in the 1980’s, Hazel joined her husband and a multitude of their friends on travel adventures. She even ventured into the RV world, beginning with a small camper trailer, moving up through the years to a luxury motor home. She traveled far and wide, caravanning with old friends and making new friends, even spending a few winters in Texas and Arizona.

Over her long life she created many, many, happy memories and participated in momentous celebrations. But shortly before the death of her beloved husband, they celebrated their 76th Wedding Anniversary, a feat few couples accomplish. He promised to always care for her, and given her health, she never imagined there would be a day without him by her side. Sadly, that day came, and she has spent her remaining days searching for him.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 5, 2016, at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Alton Byrd officiating and Nathan Brown delivering the eulogy. Burial will be in Booneville Cemetery.

Hazel is survived by her nieces and nephews including her caregivers Shirley Moreland and Tony Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents; one sister, Opal Green Deaton; and one brother Ferrell Holley Green.

Visitation will be Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of McMillan Funeral Home, Booneville, MS.