Hazel Belle Rector Bright Washburn

Hazel Belle Rector Bright Washburn, 89, of Morganton, NC passed away Saturday, July 23, 2011 following a period of declining health. Born in Greenlee, McDowell County, NC on March 6, 1922, she was th

Hazel Belle Rector Bright Washburn, 89, of Morganton, NC passed away Saturday, July 23, 2011 following a period of declining health. Born in Greenlee, McDowell County, NC on March 6, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Claude Blackman Bright and Jessie Ora Holder Bright.Hazel moved to Glen Alpine at the age of two. She was a graduate of Glen Alpine High School. In 1942 she married Blan Rector and was widowed in 1982. Throughout the years Hazel worked at National Silver in Taunton, MA, Drexel Furniture, Freedom High School, and Skyland Textile, from which she retired after 22 years. She was a member in good standing at North Morganton United Methodist Church and also attended Burkemont Baptist Church.Hazel is survived by her current husband, Alton Washburn of the home; a son, Randy Rector and wife, Pat, of Morganton; grandchildren, Jennifer Rector and John Rector, both of Annapolis, and Keith Rector and wife, Monica, of Post Falls, ID; and great-grandchildren, Brandon and Lily Rector of Annapolos; siblings, Frank Bright and wife, Janette, of North Wilkesboro, NC and Bratcher Bright of Alamogordo, NM; and several nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by four siblings.To those who knew Hazel, she was the most giving and caring person. She spent most of her life doing and caring for others. When asked what her hobby was, she replied, "Helping those and caring for those who need me." As told by a family friend, she was a dying breed. Hazel will be missed by many who knew and loved her.The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Neill Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Drive, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.