Hazel S. Douglass

Hazel Laverne Shideler Douglass (b. 1/31/1918, McCune, KS - d. 10/13/2017, Blairsville, GA) passed away at the Union County Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, John McConnell Douglass, Jr. Mrs. Douglass is survived by sons Duane Douglass (Ann), Kennesaw, GA; Craig Douglass (Glinda), Acworth, GA; and daughter Connie Douglass, Charleston, SC. Hazel participated in the lives of her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Numerous generations of nieces and nephews also shared her life. Hazel had many "adopted" children all over the world who enjoyed being a true part of her life. She was also grateful for each of her friends. Her family life was in Wichita, KS, 1941-1953; Marietta, GA, 1953-1986; and Blairsville, GA, 1986 until her death.After graduating from Pittsburg State University (then, Pittsburg State Teachers College, Pittsburg, KS) with a Teaching Degree in Business Sciences and Home Economics, she was a teacher in Walton, KS, and a civil service secretary in the Army's Surgeon General's Office in Washington, DC just prior to WWII. Some years after her marriage and while raising her children she taught in Marietta, GA (Blackwell Elementary School and Marietta High School). Educating and being educated were lifelong pursuits. In part, Hazel's legacy was her methodical goal-setting, intentional plan-making, and purposeful accomplishment. A favorite activity began at 10 years of age when she became pianist for the Church of the Brethren, McCune, KS, which her father, Daniel Shideler, pastored; she continued playing piano well into her 90's for churches, schools, community activities, and family functions. She was a Sunday School teacher, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and a Pink Lady at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. Wesley Woods' Brannan Lodge Community, Meals on Wheels, golf, physical fitness, camping, boating, USA/world travel, sewing, crafting, Strippers Quilt Club, Guidepost magazine sweaters knitting, and her churches - Blairsville's Mountain Presbyterian and First United Methodist - kept her interest high and activity constant. Her children will always be grateful for her being their "taxi driver," ensuring each had a taste of everything life could offer and the zest to live life fully. When people brought their problems to her, she would ask, "Have you prayed about it?" If "no" was the answer, she'd say, "Well, that's where you begin." If the answer was "yes," she'd reply, "Well, pray it through." Her memoir, As I Remember, is the autobiographical chronicle of her first 96 years of life. To continue Hazel's legacy, her family invites you to reach out in your community. Plant a tree, teach a skill, give the gift of time-pass on something important to you to help someone or somewhere to honor Mrs. Douglass. A private gathering-A Celebration of Life-will be held by her family in Acworth, GA. Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.