Hazel Laube

Hazel Luckey Bates Laube

Blythe, GA –               Hazel Luckey Bates Laube, 94, loving wife of 40 years to the late Marion Nixon Bates Sr. and to the late Robert Eugene Laube, entered into her eternal rest Sunday morning, January 30, 2022 at her residence. Services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday afternoon, February 2, 2022 with Dr. Matthew Nixon Bates officiating.  Interment will follow in the Blythe Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:30 P.M. prior to the service.  Serving as pallbearers will be John Bates, Nathan McGowan, Alexander Prince, Matt Thompson, Branton Treglown and William Waldron Jr.

Because of the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged during any gathering.

Hazel is also preceded in death by her son John Andrew Bates and her beloved grandson, Charles Bates. Her intentional love and devotion for her family was unprecedented. Raising her four children, which also includes Marion Nixon Bates, Jr. (Meria), Randy Gene Bates and Denise Bates Mulkey; eight more grandchildren—Sharon Bates McGowan, Dr. Matthew Nixon Bates, John Bates, Carlton Bates, William Waldron Jr., Jessica Thompson, Kayla McQuinn and Stephanie Prince—and eleven great-grandchildren, fulfilled her life’s legacy.  Hazel loved children, and there was never a time in her life where she did not have a child on her lap. That same affection turned into a successful career where she touched the lives of many families throughout the years. Her compassion and care for others showed in everything she did.

Hazel was a God-fearing woman and taught her family to be the same. She was a devout Christian, with complete faith in the Lord, during hard times and life’s blessings. She served her Lord and Savior as a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church of Blythe.

Hazel treasured her days with her family, sitting on the front porch, shelling peas, watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren sing hymns, play music and show their latest talents. She had the most infectious laugh and enjoyed talking on the phone with dear friends, her sisters and brothers with a phone cord that would reach every room in the house.  She also loved gardening and cooking. She was well-known for her amazing country cuisine, world famous tea and biscuits, but, most importantly, known for always having an extra seat at her supper table.

A special thanks to Andrea, Alesha, Crystal, Jo Ann, Sequoia, Autumn and McKenzie, as well as all of the hospice nurses and support staff for lovingly caring for Hazel in her last years.

Hazel was the last of a foundational generation being preceded in death by her parents and all fifteen of her siblings. She enjoyed passing knowledge and stories of her life with friends and family.  Anytime you asked her, “Grandma, where did you come from?” Her reply would be, “From the cotton field.” Her family is so thankful for the time on earth together, the legacies she bestowed upon us all, and to know that one day we will be together again in Glory.