February 25, 89, 
Passionate, feisty, and fiercely independent, Hazel Louise Baker conquered her earthly life on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Born in Lenoir County to Jack and Lura Hight Baker, Hazel was sister to Lillian, Ruby, Virginia, James, Clarence, and Linwood. Growing up in La Grange, she was a student in La Grange until her transfer to Greenville as a teenager. Upon her graduation from high school, Hazel gained employment with the State of North Carolina Division of Highways, where she worked for 40 and a half years. She attended Greenville Church of God for over 50 years and held several leadership positions there. In 1992, she returned to La Grange, where she built her home and decorated her living room with an assortment of ceramic, glass, and plush pigs that she collected. Hazel could often be found taking her morning stroll down Caswell Street, shopping at the Country Butcher Shop, and fellowshipping with her church family at Bojangles after Sunday evening services. Nothing was better to her than a Diet Coke and a fresh batch of peanut brittle. She enjoyed taking road trips and mingling with old friends at summer camp meetings. Hazel looked forward to Saturday galavanting with her nieces, and her Friday morning hair appointment with her niece, Kathryn. She was known for her sense of humor, straight forward conversation, and contagious laughter. Always one to socialize, Hazel enjoyed spending time with friends and family. For the past 24 years, Hazel was an active member of La Grange Church of God. There she taught Sunday School, founded the “Snappy Seniors” Senior Adult Group, sang in the choir, and willingly assisted in ministry when called upon. As a strong believer and prayer warrior, she preached many sermons and led others to salvation in Christ. With infectious optimism, she was known for sharing one of her favorite scriptures, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine”. At the age of 89, Hazel entered into the Kingdom of Heaven where she surely heard, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.
A service to celebrate and honor Hazel’s life will be Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 2 p.m. from La Grange Church Of God with Pastor Arnold Ball officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Hazel is survived by nieces and nephews, Kathryn G. Hart, Libby Guggenberger, Hilda Sutton, Janie Holloman, Paula Herring, Marvin Gray, Robert Carrawan, and Vernon Carrawan.
Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. at La Grange Church Of God. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials may be made to La Grange Church Of God, P.O. Box 218, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.