Hazel Lee Andrews Lovett was born on January 16, 1923 to the late Hettie Ellis Andrews and the late Sammie Andrews Sr. in Marion, Louisiana. As she was born on her father's birthday, she was a very special birthday present for Mr. Andrews.  She also proved to be a blessing to many, many others throughout her 93 years of life.

 Hazel was the third of nine children.    She had three sisters: Georgia A. Branch, Rachel A. Will and Clemmie A. Carodine; and five brothers: Robert, Willie, Sammie Jr., John Dewey and Felbert Andrews.  She was an industrious young lady and at a very young age she mastered many skills that would serve her well for the rest of life such as ironing, cooking, baking and sewing. She was a person of strong faith and at a very young age Hazel became a member of Mt. Union Baptist Church in Marion, La.

On January 13, 1946, Hazel married the late Hosea Lovett of Strong, Arkansas. She and Hosea made their home in Strong and raised their children there.  Seven children were born to this union: Hettie, Katherine, Helen “Jackie,” Troy, Rachel “Winnie,” Andrew Wayne, and Waymond “Pepi.”  Hazel was a devoted wife and mother and her skills as a homemaker were well known throughout the Strong, Arkansas community.  She was a very skilled seamstress. She made clothing for her children as well as herself. The quality of her garments was often superior to the clothing available in stores.  She was also accomplished in the art of quilting and had a cache of quilts that she showcased to her family and friends.  The hand-stitching on her quilts was so fine it appeared almost invisible. She created many quilts with beautiful and complex patterns that are cherished by her family and friends.  Hazel enjoyed gardening and was blessed with a green thumb.  She often grew petunias, zinnias, and bachelor’s buttons. She also took a great deal of pride in her ironing. Her husband's overalls and khaki pants were always impeccably pressed. Hazel also ironed laundry for many people in Strong who often praised her for providing "the best ironing they ever had."  However, Hazel was best known as an excellent cook and baker. Food from her kitchen was a much sought after treat by friends, family and neighbors.  She was known for her Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Egg Pie, and Caramel Cake. She also canned vegetables and fruit preserves. For most of her life, Hazel was known to rise early each morning to make her homemade biscuits which she served with her preserves.  Her spirit of gentleness, hospitality and generosity could clearly be felt in her home. 

Hazel was a reserved woman who nevertheless made her impact on those around her in her own way.  After moving to Strong with Hosea, she became a member of Pine Grove Primitive Baptist Church. She served her church in various capacities ranging from making communion aprons to preparing food for various events. Hazel took pride in her community and would do her part to keep it clean by picking up cans and litter until her health began to decline in 2010.  She also encouraged her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to pursue their education.  She often stated "I don't want you to have to work as hard as I have."  Hazel often stood ready to offer a word of wisdom or a life lesson to her family whenever she felt it was in order.

On February 6, 2016, Hazel passed away peacefully in the presence of her family.  She was preceded in death by her son Andrew Wayne Lovett Sr., infant daughter Katherine Lovett, grandson Marc Henderson, her five brothers and two of her sisters, Georgia and Rachel. 

She leaves to cherish loving memories

Three daughters  Hettie  (Henry) Lindsey of  Allen, Texas, Helen "Jackie" (Horace) Wallace of Gardena, California and Rachel Banks of Ft. Washington, Maryland; Two sons:Troy (Jeanette) Lovett and Waymond "Pepi" Lovett, of Strong, Arkansas; one sister-Clemmie A. Carodine of Los Angeles, California ; two sister-in- laws- Vernita Andrews and Lovie Andrews of  Marion, Louisiana ; one brother-in-law William Will of Detroit, Michigan; three sister-friends Vashtie Thomas (her childhood friend), Eula (Cooter) Fuller and Tressie Smith of Strong, Arkansas ; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren;  and a host of nieces,nephews, family and friends. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pine Grove Primitive Baptist Church in  Strong, AR with Elder Larry Smith, officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, February 12, 2016 from 1 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home and Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 9 until service time at the church. Burial will follow in the Pine Grove Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Memorial Funeral Service of Crossett, AR.

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