Hazel Smothers

Hazel Molene Smothers, 84, of Chattanooga, passed away on Feb. 24, 2018, in a local nursing home. Originally from DeKalb County, Ala., “Molene” moved to Chattanooga as a young woman and lived in the area until the age of 43 when she decided to move to Florida and start a new life. There she became “Hazel” instead of Molene and began a new career in apartment management. She loved Florida and remained in the Tampa area until her late 70s when she decided to return to this area to be nearer her family. Growing up on Sand Mountain during the Depression and the war years life was not easy. These difficult years created strong family bonds, and Hazel’s family was always her source of greatest pride and joy. She had to quit school at 14 to help out at home, but she always valued education and later obtained her GED and attended real estate school. During the 1940s she watched four brothers march off to serve their country; only three returned. She was very proud of her brothers’ military service and was a lifelong supporter of various veterans’ organizations. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer H. and Hattie (Hicks) White; and all of her brothers and sisters, R.J., Gordon, Rufus, Ermon and Noel White, Willow Dean Keel and Grace Henderson. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Melba Smothers and Bill Harris, of Chattanooga; grandson, Marc Baker; and great-grandchildren, Riley and Madi Baker, of Henagar, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a veterans’ organization. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no funeral service. Visitation will be held at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel in Ider, Ala., on Saturday, March 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Please leave condolences online at www.cornerstonefuneralchapel.com