Hazel Hayes Meares of Lake View, SC, passed and joined our Lord on Jan. 14, 2016.
A celebration of her life will be held on Jan. 24, at Lake View First Baptist Church during the 11:00 worship service.
Born in 1919 to Charlie and Mamie Hayes of Lake View, Mrs. Meares graduated from Furman University and received a Master of Religious Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“Ms Hazel,” as she was fondly called, taught school for a number of years, but her true passion was helping others. She was active in her church, working tirelessly in women’s missionary projects, and saw as her lifelong ministry visiting shut-ins, the sick, and bereaved.
She was known for taking a single rose to those she visited. Perhaps dearest to her heart was her prison ministry, where she taught a Sunday school class for many years. She enjoyed singing and often sang at church, weddings, and funerals. Another special interest was writing, and many of her articles were published in various newspapers.
Throughout her life she remained involved in many organizations, such as Council on Aging, Hospice Advisory Board, Literacy program, PTA, and Legion Auxiliary.
The Meares family resided in Laurinburg, NC, for many years where they were active in civic organizations and were dedicated members of the First Baptist Church.
During that time, Mrs. Meares helped to start a new church, Stewartsville Baptist.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Meares, her parents, and a brother and sister.
She is survived by her loving family: Three daughters: Sandra Ray (Ellis) of Pass Christian, MS; Gloria Butler (David) of Aberdeen, NC; Billie Caughran (Jim) of Lexington, SC. Five grandchildren: Eric Ray, Nicholas Butler, Aaron Butler, Megan Venters Stewart, and Grayson Venters. Three great-grandchildren: Jordyn Butler, Camden Butler, and Eliot Stewart.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Amedysis Home Health Care; Amedysis Hospice nurses, Tara and Genesis; Dr. Elizabeth Lebel and her staff, Ivey and Tara; and the many friends who have been so supportive, caring, and compassionate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lake View First Baptist Church, Amedysis Hospice, or a favorite charity.
