Hazel Smith

Mrs. Hazel Payne Smith, age 99, of Morganton, passed away March 23, 2021, in the Canton Nursing Center in Canton, Georgia. 

She was born May 17, 1921, in Hurst, Georgia, to the late Norvie Grayson and Laura Frances Rector Payne. Mrs. Smith was a long time and faithful member of Hemptown Baptist Church for approximately 81 years, where she also served as the pianist for over 50 years. She was a retired teachers aide from the Fannin County School System. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond Daniel Smith.

Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Billy Raymond Smith, Daniel Grayson Smith and Diane and Ronald Leroy Smith and Jean; brother, J.W. Payne; grandchildren, Mickey, Mark, Dana, Shelley, Stephen, Jason and Adam; great-grandchildren, Emily, Megan, Celeste, Christina, Brayden, Dylan, Conner, Eden, Jagger and Hadley; great-great-grandchildren, Harper Ann and J.J. Shoupe; and several nieces, nephews and host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Friday, March 26, 2021, at 2 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Howard Galloway and Rev. Gerald Mathis officiating. Music was provided by Marilyn Thomas, Sheila and Terry Tibbitts, Lita Gowder, Bryan Huffman and Larry Freeman. Serving as pallbearers were Mickey Smith, Mark Smith, Jason Smith, Brayden Pope, Buddy Legg, Marty Payne and Danny Davenport. 

Interment followed in the Hemptown Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. David Whitener officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Hemptown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Damon Davenport at 10623 Old Highway 76, Morganton. 

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. 

Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.