Hazel Smith

Hazel Austin Smith of Harrisburg, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord on Friday, May 25, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Billy Clevenger, Pastor Jimmy Bartley and Pastor John Melton, will be held at Harrisburg Baptist Church, 6525 Morehead Road Harrisburg, NC, on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Harrisburg Baptist Church Cemetery. One of Hazel’s final requests was for those she loved to rejoice in her passing to her eternal home. Her life was filled with gospel music from childhood through her 41 years as pianist at Harrisburg Baptist Church. She recently wrote a song asking, “Don’t weep for me, I’m finally free. Praise God, don’t shed no tears.” She is survived by her devoted husband, John H. Smith, two daughters, Leah Sue Bridgewater and her husband, David, and Karen K. Brister; a son Brian Smith and his wife, Pam; seven grandchildren, Heather Bridgewater, Allyn Molloy and her husband, Tom, Erin Nelson and her husband, Ryan, Jordan and Justin Brister, and Brittany and Daniel Smith; and one great-grandchild, Bowen Molloy. A fourth child, John K. Gurley, Jr., preceded her in death. Hazel was one of 14 children born to the late Lester F. and Ada Burgess Austin, of whom Carolyn A. Furr, Melvia A. Love, Jack Austin and R.V. Austin remain. Brothers, Roy, David, Boyd, Horace and Vaden and sisters, Faye, Ruby and Carrie preceded her in death. Hazel also leaves a church full of loving brothers and sisters at Harrisburg Baptist Church. She is now at home where she belongs in God’s great family so fill your hearts with cheer and rejoice. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Smith family.