Hazel Odell Edgar Thomas

On March 1, 2017, God's Angels came to escort Hazel Odell Edgar Thomas to her heavenly home, where she will live for eternity. She had a short struggle with respiratory problems and flu, and was unable to overcome the complications of pneumonia. She was living at Stonebridge Health Center in Austin, TX, where she had been living for 3 years.

Hazel was born on March 22, 1927 in East Texas to parents, Wilma Moore Bell Edgar and Tom W. Edgar. Hazel's mother had 9 children from her deceased first husband. She later married Mr. Tom Edgar. He fathered 3 children with Wilma, but sadly he died when Hazel was only 6 years old. This left her twice widowed mother with 12 children to raise. They struggled to make ends meet and Hazel had many stories about how they managed with very little. It was a time when neighbors helped neighbors or they wouldn't have survived. Her beloved mother picked cotton, worked on farms, and did almost any job she could find to raise her family.

Hazel learned many life lessons during those years of struggle. She never complained, she had a very strong work ethic and she also worked hard all her life to raise her own family. She was a devoted mother to her 3 children, made sure they were raised in the church, were always clean and well dressed. Hazel always told her kids to take a warm bath and put on clean clothes to overcome any hurt feelings, boo-boos, accidents, problems and most illnesses…..She believed in a clean body and clean heart. Hazel never seemed to discuss or acknowledge anything that might have worried her. She was an incredible role model to all that met her. Hazel said she patterned her life of being such a good and spiritual person by watching her own mother.

Hazel loved "Her Jesus" devoutly and He never let her down. He carried her through some dark valleys and celebrated great victories with her. Her greatest wish in life was to go to Heaven and she lived each day with that goal.

Hazel married Glendal Thomas in March, 1946. They had been pen pals and were soon married when Glendal returned from WW2. He was very handsome, charming, and he swept her off her feet. They had 3 children together, Patricia married to Wilson Smith, son Micheal Glenn Thomas, and Terry Lynn married to Larry Adams. She had 2 grandchildren, Christopher Smith and Hyla Thomas. She had 3 great grandchildren Kayla, Christopher and Stormi Mallard. She also had 4 great-great grandchildren Trevor, Nicholas, Carleigh and Zander. She loved her family and especially the pictures of her babies.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Wilma and Tom Edgar, her 11 siblings, her grandson Christopher Smith and many other departed friends and family.

Hazel moved to Dallas in 1973 with her younger children to start a new chapter of her life as a single mother. She overcame many obstacles to create a new life living near her siblings. She just loaded her belongings in a U-Haul and took off on a very determined new beginning for her family. She knew "Her Jesus" was her co-pilot.

Hazel was known for her amazing sense of humor and her many outbursts of uncontrolled laughter…. It was contagious and so unexpected from the little lady that was usually so quiet and timid. You have been truly blessed if you have ever experienced that wonderful belly laugh with Miss Hazel.

Hazel loved the Dallas Pentecostal Church and all her church family. She had a favorite spot to sit and loved being there in the community of friends, family and God.

Hazel will always be known as Miss Hazel, mom, granny, Sister Hazel, Aunt Hazel. She became a friend and confidante to many of her relatives of all ages and also to the extended family of her children. Hazel could keep a secret forever and we know that she has taken many with her to keep safely for eternity. Hazel loved the Grand Ol' Opry, Gathers Homecoming, almost all old gospel and country songs and even had a soft spot for Lawrence Welk and square dancers. She loved good toe tapping music but would never dance, saying she had 2 left feet.

Hazel lived a life of exemplary kindness, faithfulness, loyalty, love, good deeds and sacrifice. She is now in Heaven where she will continue to enjoy rewards of a life well lived, serving God. Our lives are richer for having had her for a while and our hearts will forever remember the many lessons she taught us; especially about the healing value of a warm bath and a bedtime prayer…….