Hazel Hughes

Hazel Exum Hughes, born November 4, 1927, gained her wings and joined the angels on the same day that we celebrated Jesus’ resurrection, Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.   No one ever wants to say goodbye, but God’s timing is always perfect, and this Easter Sunday was no exception as Jesus welcomed Hazel home after a brief but sudden illness.  

Preceded in death by her parents Isaac and Agnes (Hill) Exum, siblings Donald Exum, Pat Exum, and Grace Krumme, beloved husband L.C. Hughes, and daughter, Diane Meeks, we were blessed to call her ours for 96 wonderful years before having to give her back to the Lord.  

Throughout her lifetime, Hazel left a remarkable legacy of a life well lived.  At a mere 19 years old, Hazel met L.C. Hughes and after a short courtship, were married on her 20^th birthday, marking the beginning of a shared life filled with love and devotion.  In Hazel’s own words, she was “the apple of his eye and he of hers.”

Hazel’s love extended to her three children, Gary (Sue) Hughes, Diane (Raymond) Meeks, and Marshall (Kay) Hughes, four grandchildren, Douglas (Dawn) Hughes, Jennifer (Mike) Weakland, Rita (Scott) Powell, and Katie (Philip Frier) Meeks, three great-grandchildren, Susannah Cleveland, Corbin Cleveland, and Sawyer Frier, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.  In addition to her blood family, Hazel had a large network of “extended family”—friends and caregivers that she loved as her own.  Her deeply rooted love for her family, church family, friends, and caregivers is something words could never adequately portray.

Her love of and for children spilled over into her “accidental” career that she began later in life as a secretary then office manager at Lake Park Elementary School.   She worked for a total of 26 years of dedicated service, retiring in 1993.  Forever a Viking, everyone always loved Mrs. Hughes!

Most importantly, Hazel loved the Lord and knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  An active member of First Baptist Church of Lake Park since 1959, she served in numerous positions including singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and serving as the WMU president.  She used her talents of sewing and cooking by working clothing drives, assisting with the food pantries, and was highly involved with the Samaritan’s Purse.

Hazel’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on through her family and friends.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M on Thursday, April 4, 2024 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10-11 A.M.  Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Lake Park in lieu of flowers. Online condolences to the family may be shared at www.mclanecares.com

Carson McLane Funeral Home