Emily Hazel Smith

Emily Hazel Smith, 89, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

Hazel was born in Fort Valley, Georgia on March 30, 1929 to the late Horace and Lorene Joyner Hancock. A retiree of Southern Bell, now known as AT&T, Hazel dedicated her life to raising her children as a single mom. Hazel loved hosting family and friends for the holidays, working in her garden, ballroom dancing, and baking and cooking. She spent many years working at the Cherry Blossom Festival and volunteering at the Grand Opera House in Macon and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Hazel was a longtime member of Ingleside Baptist Church and the Inglelights Sunday School Class.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Horace “Shorty” Sterling Hancock, Harold “Leroy” Hancock, Homer “Morris” Hancock, and Doris Marie Parks.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving children, Charles Ray Smith, Jr. of Forsyth and Denise Ruberti (Victor) of Warner Robins; grandchildren, Sharilyn Clevenger (Rob) of Kathleen, Jessica Funderburk (Josh) of Byron, and Victor Joseph “Joey” Ruberti, Jr. of Byron; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Jolene Funderburk; and sister, Betty Jones (Paul) of Quitman.

Visitation will be Monday, October 29, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Dr. Mark Hudgins officiating. After the service, Hazel will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Hazel to Ingleside Baptist Church, 834 Wimbish Rd., Macon, GA 31210.

McCullough Funeral Home has the privilege of being entrusted with Mrs. Smith’s arrangements.