Hazel Geraldine Hurst Strawbridge

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Mrs. Hazel Geraldine Hurst Strawbridge, 83, of the Arkansas-Missouri State Line Community, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, September 1, 2013, at her home after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Blytheville Feb. 18, 1930, the oldest of eight children born to Fraizer and Nomie Palmer Hurst, both of whom preceded her in death many years ago.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Hurst; a brother, Ronnie Hurst; a daughter-in-law, Rinda Strawbridge; and special aunt and uncle, Opal and John Sanford.

Mrs. Hazel was a "stay at home" wife and mother until her children reached school age. During her years of employment, she worked at Frankie's Café in Cooter, Mo., Danvers Shoe Company in Blytheville, The Red Rooster Inn Café near Yarbro, and American Chain and Cable Company in Blytheville.

Mrs. Hazel was a faithful member of the Number Nine Baptist Church and was very active until her health prevented her from attending. During her membership at Number Nine Baptist Church, she was a Sunday School teacher and served on the nominating, benevolence and food committees. She lovingly cleaned the church for many years until her health began to fail.

Mrs. Hazel was diagnosed with type II diabetes in June 1982 and was an inspiration to her family and friends concerning the way she took care of herself and maintained her diabetes treatment.

"Memaw" loved her family. She looked forward to Sundays even though she could not attend church after her health failed, for she knew that she and Mr. Hurtis would have the children there for Sunday lunch. It was always a joy for her to have all of them there.

Mrs. Hazel loved to read her Bible and also the "Birds and Blooms," "Country," "Reminisce," "Good Ole Days," "Guide Posts" and "Woman's World." She spent her days mostly reading and watching the "western channel."

Mrs. Hazel is survived by her husband of 66 years, Hurtis Strawbridge of the Arkansas-Missouri State Line Community;

Two sons, Mike Strawbridge and his wife, Cathy, of Dyersburg, Tenn., and Jimmy Strawbridge and his wife, Pam, of Cottonwood Point, Mo;

Two daughters, Sue Alexander and her husband, Kenny, of Cooter, and Sharon Strawbridge Barger of Blytheville;

One granddaughter, April Martin and her husband, Heath, of Denton, Mo.;

Three grandsons, Scott Strawbridge and his wife, Judy, of Oakland, Tenn., David and Mark Strawbridge, both of Cottonwood Point;

One granddaughter-in-law, Ruthann Strawbridge and John Rorie of Oakland, Tenn.;

One great-grandson, Chase Strawbridge of Oakland, Tenn.;

Three great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Olivia Martin, both of Denton, Mo., and Jordan Strawbridge of Oakland, Tenn;

Three brothers, Bill Hurst and his wife, Joyce, of Mountain Home, Bob Hurst and his wife, Sheila, of Ventura, Calif., and Dewayne Hurst of Fort Smith;

Two sisters, Maxine Sammons of Muldrow, Okla., and Joan Atwood of Ventura, Calif;

A sister-in-law, Lou Ann Hurst of Ventura, Calif.;

Many nieces, nephews and cousins residing in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and California; and

Last but certainly not least, Ava, Mel and Brock Crutchfield, their "family neighbors," who lived down the road for 20 years and who were always there when needed, day or night, for whatever was needed of them.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charles Hurley and the Rev. David Lewelling officiating. Burial will follow in Mitchell's Number 8 Cemetery south of Cooter, Mo., on Pemiscot County Road Number 561.

The family will receive friend from 6-8 p.m. today, also at Cobb Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorials be made to the Number Nine Baptist Church, 5289 State Hwy 150, Blytheville, Ark. 72315, or the American Diabetes Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com