Hazel Thompson

Hazel Thompson, 91, entered into her eternal rest Tuesday afternoon, April 4, 2023 at Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM Wednesday afternoon, April 12, 2023, with Rev. Mark Bowers officiating. Interment will follow in the West View Cemetery in Augusta.

The only child born to the late Gertrude Usry Thompson and the late Luther Thompson (who also was an only child), Hazel lived in Augusta where she was a graduate of Tubman High School.  After graduating high school, she worked for Friedman Jewelers until she got a position at the Medical College of Georgia, now Augusta University, retiring as a purchasing agent after 30 years of service.  After her father’s death in 1971, she lived with and cared for her mother; and then, upon her mother’s death, Hazel moved to Avera to be closer to her family—cousins from the country.  She moved next door to Bobbie who would later become her caregiver.  Hazel loved the “country life” and found great enjoyment working in her flowers and gardens.  She also loved, loved, loved her “fur babies”—Mollie, Millie and Rose—who provided her much company and comfort.  Hazel accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior as a young girl, attending Second Baptist Church until it closed, then serving Him at Bayvale Baptist and, upon her move to Avera, she actively served her Lord at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where she was a member of the Gleaners Sunday School Class.  She loved the community and was a member of the Avera Senior Citizen Group.  In 2017, she entered Silver Linings Personal Care Home in Stapleton. She made many friends there and loved the companionship and activities provided.  When her health declined in 2022, she moved to Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.  Hazel, a quiet, unassuming, unpretentious and modest woman, had a very generous spirit and loved helping people.  She always had a smile for everyone and exuded a positive, can-do attitude.  Even though she will be missed greatly by those she left behind, we have the hope and assurance of her now experiencing pure joy, peace, and love in her eternal home in Heaven where she has experienced a grand reunion with her beloved mother.  

Those left to cherish her memories include her cousins, Gerald Usry (Janie), Bobbie Williams (Lindy), James Sheppard (Susan), Pamela Erhardt, Tommy Sheppard (Karen) and Carl Usry (Debra); other extended family, church family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Silver Linings Personal Care Home and Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for their loving, compassionate, and professional care.

The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service at James Funeral Home from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 12, 2023.