Mrs. Hazel Conner Shell, 85, of Valdese, NC, transitioned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Born in Rutherford County, NC on October 16, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Julius Conner and Alma Head Conner. Hazel was a dedicated member of El Bethel Baptist Church and was a faithful servant of the Lord. She lived to demonstrate God’s love to anyone she met. Hazel had a fun-loving personality. She loved all things of beauty and presented herself as strong and elegant, yet soft and incredibly kind. She made a big impact on people and shared love and her Lord boldly. She never met a stranger and fiercely loved her family. If you were fortunate enough to meet her, she immediately loved you too.
Hazel is survived by her daughter, Angela “Angie” Norville (David Shook); grandson and light of her life, Spencer David Norville Guffey; sister and lifelong best friend, Hilda Roper (Bill); sister by choice, Clara Lovelace (Roby H. Norville); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and many special friends, too many to name.
In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Landon Shell; sisters, Grace Smith (Bob) and Betty Roper (Bobby, Sr.); and brother-in-law, Bill Roper (Hilda).
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2024 at El Bethel Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the church with Rev. Justin Cunningham and Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
She loved nature, flowers, and birds. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Hazel believed that working in medicine is a calling, and it was obvious who did it for love, and who did it for a job. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Jiri Kubac (who lead her medical team), Dr. Aubrey Calhoun, Dr. Mark Brady, Dr. Michael Rinaldi, and the fine, uniquely called nurses, recreational therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, cafeteria staff, and EVS staff who attended to her through her brief illness.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Angie and all of the family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Moms are so special, and I know she was loved very much and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you. Always a friend , Phyllis Smith.
Hazel was kind to me especially when I spent the night with Angie after we had been out late in our younger days. I know you will grieve and be sad over and over. May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you Angie, Dave, and Spence. She now has eternal life in heaven, which is really only the beginning. Praise to God that we will see one another again!
Sending love & prayers to you all. Hazel was a beautiful woman, inside and out. I am grateful that God made our paths cross and that I was able to be in, even the tiniest sliver of, her life. I know she is dancing in the arms of Jesus - and what a glorious feeling that must be. You all are blessed with one amazing guardian angel. Xoxo.
Sending love & prayers to you all. Hazel was a beautiful woman, inside and out. I am grateful that I was able to be in a tiny sliver of her life. I know she is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus now and watching over all of you. What a precious guardian angel you have now. Xoxo.
I am so very sorry for your loss. It was a shock. I have prayed for her. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Look to the Lord for strength. I love you.
Angie, My heart goes out to you in the passing of your mother. My prayers for You, Spencer , David and all your loved ones during this sad time. May God's love and peace be with you all. Love, Sunny
Never a day has gone by I haven't thought of you and your family Hazel. For all who never knew Hazel they missed the finest lady I've ever known . She was always wearing that beautiful smile , always projected love for everyone . And she had a wonderful daughter Angie . Just the replica of love. I will always cherish the little time we had but it was also a gift I'll cherish forever. Love you all in Christ .. Your neighbor on Lail Road . Love you Angie let me know if I can do anything .
Prayers for her family during this time. Prayers for Hilda at this time and the rest of her family during this time.
You were an amazingly sweet soul and I’ll be forever grateful to have gotten to spend as many moments with you as I did. Nothing can ever take away a love the heart holds dear for those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.
