Hazel Middlebrooks King joined her husband, Clarence, in Heaven, January 29, 2021. Hazel was born in Oakmulgee, Alabama, on December 22, 1931, to Vivian Oleta Elam Middlebrooks and Charles Alphus Middlebrooks and grew up in Heiberger with her three siblings - Sara, Roberta and Alphus.
She and Clarence were high school sweethearts and married in June, 1949, at the Heiberger Methodist Church. They made their home and raised their children on the old Van Tassel place in Marion Junction where Clarence dairy farmed with his father.
Hazel was an active community member in both Marion Junction and Hamburg communities.
She was an active member of the Marion Junction Methodist Church and was instrumental in helping with the building renovations and ground improvements over the years. She was also an active member of the Hamburg Community Club, and along with her Hamburg friends, helped maintain the old swimming pool and club house for a variety of events over the years.
Hazel helped her mother run two cafes in Marion - The Cellar and The Corner Cafe - and, at one time, drove the school bus. She loved to put together parties, weddings and dinners, sharing good food and lovely flower arrangements and decorations. She was often asked to cook for special occasions.
She was interested in interior design and took classes over the years to support that interest.
Hazel was uniquely talented in refurbishing antiques and shared that interest with her friends.
They had some very funny stories about their "antiquing" adventures over the years.
Hazel spent her last years in Southland Nursing Home in Marion, Alabama. The family is genuinely appreciative of her care during her stay. The staff's love for her was apparent.
She is survived by her three children - Mike King and his wife, Margaret, Florence, Alabama;
Pete King and his wife, Louise, Marion Junction, Alabama; and Robyn King and her husband, Jimmy of Yaak, Montana. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Allison Tullos (Kip), Susan Rowe (Abraham), Jessica Johnson (Wes), Meredith Crocker (Chad), and Emilee Sewell (Chris); along with her great grandchildren - Katherine Hazel and Vandy Tullos; Jackson, Malachi and Oliver Rowe; Kaitlyn, Mackenzie, and CJ Crocker; Abby, Zec, Daniel, and Jeremiah Johnson; and Addison and Mara Sewell.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clarence, and her three siblings - Sara Oleta Holifield, Alphus Middlebrooks and Roberta Burns; and two granddaughters, Krista and Klare King-Martin.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021 for family and friends at the Marion Junction Cemetery with Rev. Cory Horton officiating.
Serving as pallbearers are Chad Crocker, CJ Crocker, Chris Sewell, Abraham Rowe, Kip Tullos, Harvey (Buddy) King, David King and Charlie Middlebrooks.
Final care and arrangements have been faithfully entrusted to Selma Funeral Home.