Hazel Ruth Allen

Hazel Ruth Allen (Thomas), 97, of Grayson, KY joined Jesus in Heaven on Sunday, September 19th at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Jesup, GA. She was born April 21st, 1924 in Stinson, KY, a loving daughter of the late William and Rose Easterling Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Orville Allen “Mickey”, three brothers, Ray Thomas (Catherine, living), Bobby Thomas (Anna Mary), Billy Joe Thomas (Delores, living) and three sisters, Grace Ellen Defoe (Robert), Betty McDavid (D.L.) and Helen Walker (Leondas). 

Surviving to cherish her memory are her loving sons Charles Edward Allen (Susan) of Charleston, WV and David Neil Allen of Lakeland, FL; daughter in law Ginnie Allen; four sisters Susan Holbrook (Webb) of Grayson, Freda Phillips (Bill) of Florida, and Yuvonne Wells (Marion) of Grayson; one brother, Dearl Thomas (Ruth) of Willard; eight grandchildren, Joseph Allen (Catherine) of Maryland, Amy Ruth Mahaffey (Rick) of Georgia, Daniel Allen (Erika) of Florida, Samuel Allen (Liane) of Canada, Krista Allen of Arkansas, Clayton Allen of Montana, Carolyn Baldwin (Mike) of West Virginia, and Gena Allen of West Virginia; nine great-grandchildren, Devyn, Dayna, Cody, Jacob, Emarie, Jayda, Taylor, Jayson, Jared, and Jay-lei. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family were loved and cherished by Hazel and she loved to hear updates about everyone often. Hazel extended her love to everyone she met, impacting so many lives; all who knew her genuinely loved her. Grandmother’s wish to those she leaves behind was for them to recognize how Jesus worked in her life, to always know and love Him, to live the life He wants for us, and to join her in Heaven one day.  

Hazel grew up in Stinson, KY working at the family coal mine during the Great Depression while helping her mother, father, and ten siblings in the home. During WWII she worked at an ammunition factory in Anniston, AL and later returned home, taking a job waitressing while attending beauty school. It was while working at a restaurant in Pt. Pleasant, WV that she met the love of her life, “Mickey” who was home on leave from the war. After graduating beauty school, she returned to Grayson, KY and worked in a beauty shop while helping at Aunt Lizzie’s Boarding House. Mickey surprised her on another leave from service and they were married shortly after on May 18, 1944, sharing 68 years of love before his death in 2012. Every day after his passing she kissed her favorite photo of him, moving it around the house throughout the day and always keeping him close to her.  

Hazel was a master beautician, seamstress, quilter, cook and homemaker throughout her life. She had a beautiful voice and sang during the war for the USO Club and for the choir where she attended church at First United Methodist in South Charleston, WV and Crystal Lake United Methodist in Lakeland, FL. She loved puzzles, card games, talking on the phone, camping, vacation with family and friends and spending quality time with loved ones. She was sharp as a tack and forgot about nothing, incredibly meticulous - no matter what she did it was always perfect, and had a fierce determination to care for and serve others. Her life was a model of how we should all strive to live by loving others unconditionally, serving those in need, and welcoming everyone with a hope to bless their lives in a positive way. 

The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff who cared for her during her time at Lakeland Presbyterian Apartments, Florida Presbyterian Homes, Lakeland Regional Hospital, At Home Senior Living of Jesup, and Wayne Memorial Hospital. A memorial service will be held at Willard Church of Christ in Grayson, KY at 11:00AM on October 9th, 2021 followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall then a graveside service at East Carter County Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Willard Church of Christ Food Pantry at P.O. Box 159, Willard, KY 41181.   

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