Hazel Gladys Smith, 104, of Springfield, MO went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the Birch Pointe Heath Center. She was born on Tuesday, March 14, 1916 in Springfield, MO as one of eleven children to David Wilson and Rosa Turner.

On August 8, 1932 Hazel married Walter Sherman Smith and they were blessed with three children. She lived in her home until she was 102 and planted a beautiful garden every year. Hazel was cheerful and happy with her life, enjoyed traveling with her family and spending time at their activities. For many years she kept a suitcase partly packed so she would be ready with the essentials if an opportunity came to go somewhere with one of her sisters. Hazel was happy when the great-great-grandchildren arrived and was eager to make memories with them. They were impressed with her stories of playing basketball in her youth. She attended Elwood Assembly of God Church as long as she was able and shared her faith with others throughout her life. The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus, Lindsay Vinson and Samantha Richardson at Birch Pointe for their kind attention to Hazel. When she left her home to live a Birch Pointe, the transition was made easier when she was welcomed by a special roommate Betty McCoy, who she loved dearly as they spent hours in their wheelchairs talking knee-to-knee.

Hazel was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons Edward and Walter Luther, five sisters Gracie Cox, Elva Prosser, Eva Tonn, Ruth Potter and Betty Hughes and three brothers Gene, Buddy and Oren Wilson.

She is survived by her daughter Sherry Walker, one daughter-in-law Jane Smith, two sisters Joan White and Clydonna Wilson, five grandchildren Douglas Smith (wife Kim), David Smith (wife DeAnn), Kim Lighty (husband Larry), Diane Buckner (husband Brian) and Kent Walker, three great-grandchildren Nichole Warren (husband Jason), Zachary Fenton and Ian Buckner and three great-great-grandchildren Aiden Schaefer, Addison Warren and Colt Warren who provided her great joy.

Hazel will lie in state from 9-12 PM on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte. 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 with a mask mandated graveside service to follow at 2 PM at the Marshfield City Cemetery, 627 S. White Oak Rd., Marshfield, MO 65706. Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com