Hazel Elizabeth Smith Willoughby went to be with her Lord on New Year's Eve. Born June 11, 1931, in Doddsville, Mississippi, she spent 86 wonderful years with her family and a wide circle of Christian friends.
Hazel and Dan, her husband of 54 years, who proceeded her in death in 2002, moved to Memphis in 1949 where she took pride in being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved sharing and creating memories for many through her skills of crocheting, decorating elaborate cakes of all sizes, and creating little girl bows and dresses. She was an active member of Lamar Heights Baptist Church, Southland Baptist Church, and Labelle Haven Baptist Church. She brought her creative nature to her outreach in children's ministry. Her Christian activities and love for children and youth covered over 50 years and many organizations to include Women's Auxiliary, Girl's Auxiliary, Children and Pre-school Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Church Camp. For her lifelong outstanding service to Children's Ministry, she was honored by Labelle Haven Baptist Church in 2010.She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Shelton, and her husband, Ray; Bonnie Conway and her husband, Mike; and son, Danny Willoughby and his wife, Tonya, She also leaves her two grandchildren, Danielle Gossett and her husband, Kurt; Cody Willoughby and his wife, Samantha; and three great-grandchildren: Breanna and Miles Gossett and Lily Willoughby. Shirley, Bonnie, and Danny will receive family, friends, and those who want to pay their respects from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at Forest Hill Funeral Home East, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, Tennessee. Services officiated by longtime family friend, Rev. Bill Russell, will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018, at 11:00 am at Forest Hill Funeral Home, East.As children held a very special place in her heart, if desired, in lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in her memory to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center of Memphis, www.memphiscac.org, 1085 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or a charitable organization of your choice.