Obituary for Hazel McLean Henderson
Hazel Henderson went home to be with our Lord Sunday evening, October 25, 2020. Born in Bloomingdale, Florida, on November 11, 1915, Hazel descended from two Florida pioneer families. From the time her family arrived in the United States in 1771, every generation farmed the land. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents, Ethel Gay and John Earnest McLean; her brothers, Jake and Ellis McLean; her sister, Valerie Mickler; and her daughter-in-law, Kathy Henderson. She is survived by her son, Gregory Henderson, Sr.; grandchildren, Gregory Jr., David, Matthew and wife Christa, and Kristen; and great grandchildren, Price and Lane.
Hazel graduated from Brandon High School in 1932, University of Tampa in 1934 at the age of 17, followed later with a Masters in Education, and was a schoolteacher for 30 years. As a teacher, she educated and impacted countless lives of children, with many of whom, now in their 70s and 80s, she continued to maintain contact.
She was the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade in Brandon in 2014, where her eldest grandson, Greg Jr., had the privilege of chauffeuring his 98 year old grandmother who was the oldest living graduate during the centennial celebration of Brandon High School.
Hazel’s first priority was serving her Heavenly Father, followed by her family. She was a charter member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church and attended church every Sunday.
She was blessed to take her last breath peacefully in her home located on McLean Drive, which was named after her father and which her husband lovingly built for her in 1960, while in the company of her dear friends and caregivers, Kim and Robby.
Known as “Grandma” or “Aunt Hazel” to all, she immediately accepted and welcomed everyone she met as part of her family.
Life didn’t slow down much for Hazel, who maintained an active lifestyle including driving her car to North Carolina at 98 years of age. Accident-free throughout her life, her driving skills surpassed many of her grandchildren.
Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor, and her kindness could be eulogized by all who she met. She was sharp and full of wit, fun and playful, and loved to sing and dance. And, of course, she was a master cook of all things southern.
Nonjudgmental, openhearted, compassionate, and accepting, our matriarch was a beautiful soul with a special kind of warmth. Her way of loving and serving God was living His Word. She was a true woman of faith who led by Christian example. She was the rock of our family and will be dearly missed.
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Hazel graduated from Brandon High School in 1932, University of Tampa in 1934 at the age of 17, followed later with a Masters in Education, and was a schoolteacher for 30 years. As a teacher, she educated and impacted countless lives of children, with many of whom, now in their 70s and 80s, she continued to maintain contact.
She was the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade in Brandon in 2014, where her eldest grandson, Greg Jr., had the privilege of chauffeuring his 98 year old grandmother who was the oldest living graduate during the centennial celebration of Brandon High School.
Hazel’s first priority was serving her Heavenly Father, followed by her family. She was a charter member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church and attended church every Sunday.
She was blessed to take her last breath peacefully in her home located on McLean Drive, which was named after her father and which her husband lovingly built for her in 1960, while in the company of her dear friends and caregivers, Kim and Robby.
Known as “Grandma” or “Aunt Hazel” to all, she immediately accepted and welcomed everyone she met as part of her family.
Life didn’t slow down much for Hazel, who maintained an active lifestyle including driving her car to North Carolina at 98 years of age. Accident-free throughout her life, her driving skills surpassed many of her grandchildren.
Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor, and her kindness could be eulogized by all who she met. She was sharp and full of wit, fun and playful, and loved to sing and dance. And, of course, she was a master cook of all things southern.
Nonjudgmental, openhearted, compassionate, and accepting, our matriarch was a beautiful soul with a special kind of warmth. Her way of loving and serving God was living His Word. She was a true woman of faith who led by Christian example. She was the rock of our family and will be dearly missed.
Events
Event Information
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
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