Hazel Ruth Corey Johnson, age 86, died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at her residence in Williamston.
Born March 17, 1925, in Martin County, she was the daughter of the late Simon Corey and Bessie Manning Corey and was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorcas Roberson, Janetta Corey, Verna Roberson, Margie Jones and Ida Mae Peele; her brothers, Rufus Corey, Edwin Corey, and a baby brother that died at birth.
Hazel graduated from Farm Life School in 1942, and married Joe John Johnson Jr. on Jan. 5, 1943. She worked as a beautician for 20 years and was the Martin County Veteran’s Service Officer for 25 years. She was an active member of The American Legion Auxiliary for more than 50 years. She was a 4-H leader and enjoyed traveling. Some of her fondest memories were from trips to the beach with the girls. She was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher and leader of the Girl’s Auxiliary. She devoted many hours to “The Message of Easter,” working on the set and making craft items to sell at the annual fundraiser. She was a member of the cast for 25 years until her health declined.
Her family includes her husband, Joe John Johnson Jr. of Williamston; her daughters, Cindy Johnson Hill of Williamston; and Hazel Joe Johnson Walker and husband Michael of Winterville; and her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Walker.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Williamston, with the Revs. David Anderson, Adron Modlin and Sam Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in the Tice Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday at Piney Grove Baptist Church and other times at the residence.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth. Condolences may be made to the family at www.maitlandfuneralhome.com.