Hazel Jean Pankey was born on August 26, 1946, in Ellerbe, North Carolina to parents, Paul and Lou Mattie Capel. The family later relocated to High Point, North Carolina, where Hazel mainly grew up and graduated from high school. After graduation, she attended NCA&T State University in the neighboring city of Greensboro, NC. There she met and later married Larry Pankey, and from that union came a beautiful baby girl, Karen Michelle Pankey.
Due to attractive IT job offers received by her husband, Hazel and the family experienced life in a number of different cities and states. While living in Charlotte, NC, Hazel began working for Dow Chemical. The family later relocated to Plano, Texas, and Hazel resumed her work with the Dow Chemical branch in that city. After Texas, the family relocated to Orlando, Florida. There, Hazel attended the University of Central Florida; she successfully completed her studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Some years down the road, Hazel landed her dream job, which she held until retirement. As Program Director for a Corporate Real Estate Association, she traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas.
Shortly after moving to the Atlanta metro area, Hazel became an active member of Zion. Hazel faithfully served in Zion’s Service Ministry. She participated in various activities within that ministry, including welcoming new members. Due to her extensive writing skills, Hazel was often sought after to assist in the preparation of various church documents.
Hazel was a person of exquisite taste. She was definitely a stickler for articulation of speech. She enjoyed the performing arts, visiting museums, writing, traveling, and running. At one of her places of employment, she became a member of The Runners Club. She liked butterflies and had a vast collection of them. In addition, she truly loved dogs, and she truly loved chocolate.
Hazel peacefully transitioned on the evening of Friday, August 11, 2023. She was predeceased by both parents. Hazel leaves to cherish her memory the following: her loving and devoted daughter, Karen; her two siblings, Mary Capel-Lee and Paul Capel, Jr. (Frances Capel); her two nephews, Paul Capel, III and Pierre Capel; two aunts, and a number of cousins.
A funeral service for Hazel will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 888 Zion Cir, Roswell, GA 30076. A visitation will occur Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roswellfuneralhome.com for the Pankey family.
