Hazel Shreve Case, 101, of Mayodan, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. She lived a long and full life, and anyone who spent even a short time in her presence quickly realized there definitely are angels among us. She lived her 101 years in a way to honor and love her Lord, her family, her church, her neighbors, and lastly, herself. Hazel’s zest for life, love for others and respect for everyone she met will long be remembered.
One of Hazel’s greatest attributes was her art of forgiveness. Her simple motto was to “forgive anyone, anytime, and for almost anything.” She won any of life’s battles by refusing to fight, and by letting God handle the big ones. She used this philosophy with a calm peace about her always. She lived with the attitude that “God created them, so there must be something good in there somewhere.” She didn’t just say these words. She lived them. She allowed God to be in total control of her life, and she found something good in everyone. She indeed never met anyone that she couldn’t love.
One of her abundant pleasures in life was her involvement in First Baptist Church of Mayodan, where she joined as a teenager. She was a loyal choir member for more than 65 years and served in numerous positions, including director of the Women’s Missionary Union and Sunday School teacher. When families lost loved ones, Hazel was first on the phone to organize meals to soften their burdens. She led for decades organizing the Lottie Moon Christmas offering and made each church visitor she could reach feel right at home.
Hazel spent her whole life in Mayodan. She graduated from Mayodan High School, where she was valedictorian and editor of the school yearbook. Hazel’s life was mostly spent as a homemaker, where her home became a haven of peace to her family and friends. She worked several office jobs throughout her life, including a stay in New York City during World War II, Washington Mills Company in Mayodan, part-time secretary for her church, and a volunteer secretary at Elliott Duncan Elementary School.
Hazel was born August 3, 1921, to the late Jesse Sterling Shreve and Lillie Gilbert Shreve. She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Thomas Case; her brothers, Paten, Carl and Earl Shreve; and sisters, Peck Shreve, Marge Llewellyn, and Beatrice Martin.
She is survived by her children: sons, Thom Case (Jane) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Randy Case of Oak Island; and daughter, Teresa Lawson (Steve) of Madison.
Grandchildren are Jodie Travis, Chris Lawson (Cristine), Kevin Lawson (Matthew), Jesse Case, Justin Case (Eileen) and Murphy Case (Melinda). Great grandchildren are Amber Travis, MaKayla Moore, Jayden Lawson, Ethan and Olivia Case. Great-great grandchild is MyZani Holland-Moore.
A true celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Mayodan, officiated by Reverend Grover Blackburn. Burial will follow in the Mayodan Municipal Cemetery, led by Reverend Torrey Easler. The family will welcome friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Colonial Funeral Home in Madison, and at other times in the home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor their loving mom and grandmother by adopting an abandoned animal, by sharing a smile with a stranger, by feeding someone hungry, by reaching out to the lonely, by hugging the suffering, or by financially helping the needy. Hazel would remind each of us that, if God asks “whatever, whenever, wherever, or however, simply say YES.”
Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net
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