Hazel Kimrey

Hazel Beckham Kimrey, 98, passed away Monday, April 29, 2019. She died of complications associated with congestive heart failure at Carolina Healthcare System Stanly. She had been a resident at Trinity Place in Albemarle for almost 10 years.

Hazel was born February 3, 1921 in Canton, Ohio. Her parents were Noni Bailey and Ralph Beckham. For career reasons, her parents moved to South Carolina and later settled in Denton, NC.

Hazel attended Pfeiffer College and studied the arts. Her sister, Rebecca, attended UNC-Chapel Hill and majored in the sciences. Rebecca, her children and their families, currently reside in Urbana, Illinois. Hazel was married to the late Travis Elicott Kimrey. They began their life together in Charlotte, NC where Travis worked for the city and Hazel worked as a photographer for Jim Brogan Studios in Efird’s Department Store. That’s where she met Travis.

Hazel always loved to photograph nature and spent many hours at Trinity Place photographing scenes from their garden and koi (fish) pond. She also enjoyed the art workshops offered at Trinity, and two of her designs were chosen for Trinity’s Christmas cards: her bells and manger scene.

She loved the staff at Trinity and seemed to know all their names and made sure that she introduced them to her niece, Susan, every time she came for a visit. She had a good memory for names and faces.

Hazel never forgot her great friends in Denton and often reminisced about their close friendships, and she got so excited when one popped by to visit her at the home.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 11:00AM at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 9029 Cottonville Road, Norwood, NC off South Stanly Road.

She is survived by her sister, Rebecca Zika and her sister’s children: Bonnie Millikan, Veronica Walker, and Byron Ziska. She is also survived by six nieces: Barbara Bowers, Judy Hathcock, Shirley Wright, Patsy Kimrey, Beth Ward, and Susan Bennett and four nephews: Ty, John (Jay), Bernard, and Jerry Kimrey. There are also many great nieces and nephews.

Hazel will be missed by so many.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com.