Hazel Mildred Ann Upchurch Watters Stanley Obituary (1920

Hazel Mildred Ann Upchurch Watters Stanley; born Jan. 4, 1920 in Jamestown, Tennessee, joined her heavenly family on Feb. 3, 2021 in St. George Utah. At 101 years of age she was, proudly, the matriarch of 6 generations.Hazel only received 8 years of formal education but because she was such a prolific reader, and an intelligent woman, she educated herself far beyond those few years of public schooling. She loved to write and her family is blessed with years of written stories & poetry that will serve to keep her forever in our memories. Hazel’s mother died within weeks of her birth and because the oldest child was only 14, her father found a wonderful family nearby who volunteered to raise his newborn daughter. Although he gave his word that he would never take her away from her foster family, he felt like letting his newborn baby be formally adopted would be too much like giving her away. He just couldn't do that, therefore, mom was blessed with two loving families. Hazel left her beloved Tennessee, at the age of 20, & traveled west to Salt Lake City. There she met & married C. H. (Stan) Stanley, after only 8 days of courtship. Hazel & Stan shared 50 years of life together. Mom set an inspiring example of what a wife, mother, grandmother & woman should be to her family. She lived her Christian values every day & made them a part of her entire family’s life. Mom made sure we knew God personally. She brought joy, laughter & love to everyone near her. Hazel will be sorely missed, but we have those gifted writings she left us, to enjoy in her absence. The achievements of her hundred and one year lifetime are too many to list here. Hazel dedicated herself to the service of anyone that came to her in need. She was a caretaker for her beloved husband Stan, during the later years of his health restricted life. She spent time helping many Vietnam refugee families get adjusted to a new way of life here in her beloved America. Mom is our "Steel Magnolia"; A sweet & tender southern lady, to whom God gave the strength of steel. Hazel is survived by two of her five children, Kathy (Carl) Leon of St. George, Utah & Larry (Janet) Stanley of Surprise, Arizona. Not forgetting her legacy of 6 generation. She was preceded in death by her parents & foster parents; sisters & brothers; her beloved husband of 50 years, Stan; Michael & Thomas Stanley, sons; Sandra Jordan, daughter; Jenny Stanley, granddaughter; Grant Stanley, grandson & Dustin Bird, great-grandson. Hazel’s dedication to God, family & unconditional love, will guide all who knew her throughout the remainder of our time here. Today we celebrate the life of our matriarch. The family would like to thank everyone at Bella Terra & Canyon Hospice of St. George, Utah for the loving care of our sweet “Steel Magnolia”. We will be forever grateful for all you have done to make her last years joyous & peaceful. Due to Covid19 restrictions, the family plans to “Celebrate Hazels Life” after the Pandemic.