Hazel Harris

Waynesville –Hazel Herron Harris, 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Maggie Valley Nursing Home.

Hazel was born in Proctor in Swain County in 1921. She was the daughter of the late Avery Harrison and Hester Early Herron.  Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Harris, who passed in 1972; her son, Charles Harris; two brothers, Hurbert Herron and Odell Herron; and two sisters Dora Roland and Irene Watkins.  The legacy that Hazel Harris leaves behind is one of love, determination, and homemade jelly.  As a young woman, Hazel’s life revolved around nurturing and caring for her children.  With two children stricken with polio, it was Hazel that was determined to provide them the necessary care and affection needed to nurse them to a life of normalcy.  As a retired employee of Dayco with over 40 years of service, Hazel was clearly not afraid of hard work.  After her retirement from Dayco, she spent her time volunteering with Meals on Wheels as well as puttering around the community taking food to the food bank, teaching Sunday School, and finding ways to brighten the days of those around her. Her belly laughs were contagious, and her crinkly smiles were often accompanied by a mischievous twinkle in the eye. Her infectious laugh and unconditional love touched the hearts of so many.

Hazel is survived by two daughters, Vera Norton, and her husband, Kemmer, of Canton and Brenda West, and her husband, Mike of Canton; Daughter-in-Law, Elizabeth Harris of Canton, six grandchildren, Alan Mathes of Horseshoe, Roger Mathes of Canton, Ronnie Mathes of Waynesville, Patty Maynard of Asheville, Debbie Whitehead of Canton, and Carla Brookshire of Clyde; six great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; along with several beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville with the Reverend Phillip Wyatt officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior at the funeral home.

In lieu flowers, the family request that you donate to Tuscola High School, Backpack Program, 564 Tuscola School Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Harris has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home.