Obituary
Guest Book
1927
2012
Hazel Shelton Abernethy died in Nacogdoches on March 22, 2012. Hazel was born in Nacogdoches on May 20, 1927, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shelton, who had come to Nacogdoches in 1923 as a faculty family for the opening of Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College. Coach Bob Shelton was SFA's first coach and athletic director and later was Dean of Men.
Hazel was blessed with a long, rich, full life and with kin and friends who loved her dearly. She was grateful that she was able to do everything that she had wanted to do-have children, teach, act, and have cats and dogs in the house. Hazel's last discernable words were "I love you," and all she wanted for a eulogy was someone to say "Thank you" for her joyful trip through life.
Hazel went to SFA's Demonstration School through junior high. She graduated in 1944 from Nacogdoches High School, where she was Student Body President. She graduated from SFA in 1948, where she was Miss SFA and Carolyn Thompson Hill Award recipient. She received her M.A. from SFA in 1971 and taught in SFA's history department. At one time Hazel was teaching history at SFA, her husband was teaching English, and her son Robert was teaching geology. All of her children attended SFA, and Hazel was a devoted alumna.
Hazel married Francis Edward Abernethy, her high school sweetheart, on June 12, 1948. She is survived by her husband and children: Luanna Cherry Cole and husband Charles, Robert Morris Abernethy and wife Kim, Sarah Elizabeth "Deedy" Abernethy and friend Todd Weidner, Margaret Leslie "Maggie" Abernethy-Duffin and husband John, and Benjamin Talbot Abernethy and wife Penny. By her grandchildren: Elizabeth Davis Reeves, Sgt. Edward Cole, Leslie Cole, Patrick Abernethy, Sarah Abernethy, and Jack Duffin. And by her great grandchildren: Brittany and Justin Cole and Dylan and Abigail Reeves. Hazel is also survived by her sister Dorothy Shelton Morgan and the Morgan family.
Hazel's devotion was to her children, husband, home, dogs, and cats (in that order), but she was happily and continually involved in other civic ventures. She was a member of her treasured Methodist Circle and member of the Heritage Club since 1965. She was in Nacogdoches Women's Hall of Fame, she served two terms as President of the City Federation of Women's Clubs, and she was named as a Distinguished Alumna of NHS. Hazel was a gifted speaker and presented programs throughout her professional career.
During the Fiftieth Anniversary of World War II Hazel wrote "The Home Front: 1941-1945," which was published by the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce. The article was later selected by a national high school textbook company and was published with her audiotape and used for many years in the U. S. and by the armed forces schools abroad. Hazel loved an audience-her children and husband, her students, strangers in an elevator-and her favorite extra-familial activity was her involvement in Sarah McMullen's Lamplite Theatre. She began her thirty-odd years of acting, building, and back-staging with Lamplite in 1970s and was a devoted Lampliter ever since. Hazel loved the theatre, and when she visited London she and Ab went to a play every night, with a frequent matinee.
Hazel loved to travel, as long as she had clean sheets, tea and crumpets at ten, and an "arf pint lager" after the show. She loved touring Australia, all of Europe, particularly Italy, but her traveling-heart's home was Ireland and the British Isles, and ultimately, London.
Hazel was the hearth and heartbeat of her home and her family and was a much loved and a much loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
Visitation will be at the Cason-Monk Funeral Home from 6-8 pm on Saturday, March 24, 2012.
Services will be at the chapel in Cason-Monk Funeral Home on Sunday, March 25, 2012, at 2 pm.
Memorial donations can be made to any of the several Alzheimer's Research foundations and to Heart to Heart Hospice for their care and support.
Pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Elizabeth Davis Reeves, Sgt. Edward Cole, Leslie Cole, Patrick Abernethy, Sarah Abernethy, and Jack Duffin.
Online Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 6, 2012
Henry Denman
Hazel was a true person of integrity and always full of life.
March 29, 2012
Joseph Rivers
My coldonences to you and your family. Mrs.Abernatony lived a full vibrant life and no doubt touched all she encountered. May the God of all comfort be with you in your time of mourning. Turn to him in prayer as he will comfort you
March 27, 2012
Stanley and Joyce Sissom
My, how the years do fly! We remember Hazel and Francis from our mutual teaching assignments at Lamar Tech in Beaumont, back in the early 1960's. From there Hazel and Francis moved on to SFA and we moved on to Texas A & M, then to Southwest Texas State in San Marcos. We were really saddened to hear about Hazel and send Francis and the family our deepest sympathy.
She left quite a beautiful legacy. Stan and Joyce Sissom, San Marcos, Texas
March 27, 2012
Elizabeth Dunn
Dear Abernethy family, My deepest sympathies are with you for your sad loss. But I also know that you have many wonderful memories of Hazel. What a fun and fabulous family she and Ab raised! You were all so blessed to have her as a mother. I will always answer the telephone on Christmas Day with a hearty, "Christmas Gift!" in her honor. Love, Ig
March 26, 2012
Melanie Barber
Dear Ab, Luanna, Robert, Deedy, Maggie, and Ben,
My mother, brothers, sisters, and I have been sharing stories of the wonderful Abernethy Adventures we have had over the last forty years. Hazel was a quintessential steel magnolia. Our lives are so much richer for having known her. We are deeply grateful for our families' deep friendship. We hope that your memories of love and laughter sustain you.
Melanie Barber
March 26, 2012
Jillian
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences. Look to God for comfort during this difficult time. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you. James 4:8
March 26, 2012
MaryBeth Hearn
I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Abernethy's passing. I have so many fond memories of being in her home and how warm and welcoming she always was to her children's friends. I will never forget her standing on the bottom of the steps after the house fire and telling us that it can all be put back, but the most important thing was that her family was safe. She had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that made you want to join in with her. My Dad and I will keep you all in our prayers during this difficult time and hope that you find peace in your memories and love.
MaryBeth Hearn
Nelvis Hearn
March 25, 2012
Jan Barton
Deedy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was such an inspiration to so many! Your parents had such a wonderful relationship--I know this is hard on your dad! Praying for all of you!
Love you.
March 25, 2012
Patricia Parrish Ricks
What a celebration must be a-goin' on in Heaven! I know you will miss your wife, your mother, your sister, our friend, but I know that you will have a special time today celebrating her life and her legacy! Just wish I could be there to see all of you and share those moments with you. Know that each of you had a special place in my Mama's heart and you have one in mine! May God's loving Spirit surround you with grace today and in the following weeks.
Love, Patricia
March 25, 2012
Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Ab and the family. We have wonderful memories of Hazel, her parents, and her grandparents. We are glad to know that she is finally at peace.
Frank and Elyndabeth Toland (Snyder, Texas)
March 25, 2012
Joe and Damaris Moore
Our deepest condolences.
March 25, 2012
In my FATHER'S house are many mansions:If it were not so,I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU. I go to prepare a place for YOU. John 14:2
Our sympathy,Coy and Teresa Simms (Houston,TX)
March 24, 2012
Margaret Abbott
Hazel, you will be missed. I have all kinds of great memories of knowing you through 30 years. Ab and Family my thoughts are with you.
March 24, 2012
Flamen and Margie Ball
Our deepest sympathies are with your family. What an incredible lady she was! May the comfort that only God can give be with you.
March 24, 2012
Alison Sterken
Hazel was a true Renaissance woman; a woman before her time, she was a true inspiration to girls and young (and not so young) women. Hazel proved that a woman could have it all, and she approached her many responsibilities with a positive spirit and a cheerful heart. All of us whom she touched through the years are better humans for having known her. She will be missed and she will be remembered. Sending love and healing energies to her family. So very sorry for your loss.
March 24, 2012
Dr. Bonita Lowrie
Most merciful Father, who hast been pleased to take unto thyself the soul of this thy servant; Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that having served thee with constancy on earth, we may be joined hereafter with thy blessed saints in glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
. . . from the Book of Common Prayer
March 23, 2012
Mary Ann Taylor
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. My mother, Fern Faulkner, is living near Dallas in a retirement center and wanted you to know how much she loved Mrs. Abernethy. She was very upset to hear of her passing. God Bless.
Mary Ann Faulkner Taylor
March 23, 2012
Kathy Guglielmo
¦Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
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