Former Roswell Resident Dies at 97

A former Roswell resident, Hazel Wall, 97, died yesterday, May 16, following a brief hospitalization. 

Born September 17, 1914, Wall had been a Roswell resident since she moved here from Washington with her late husband, Harold, to be close to family 12 years ago in 1999. She was the oldest member of Lebanon Baptist Church in Roswell, faithfully attending Sunday school and morning worship service until two years ago, when she moved to assisted living at Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett in Lawrenceville. 

Those who knew her say she will be remembered for her determination to attend Sunday school and church, if at all possible. During her younger years she faithfully taught Sunday school for kindergarten children. But her years of practical service were behind her by the time she joined Lebanon Baptist Church. However, she cherished being a member of the ladies Sunday school class.

Hazel, an only child once her brother died in infancy, loved life. Upon graduating from business college, she worked as a bookkeeper before she married at age 21 and gave birth to both a son and a daughter.

Prior to retirement, Harold had traveled extensively for the Longview Fiber Company. But once the couple moved to Georgia they traveled together across the United States and 92 foreign countries (including repeated visits). In a 2008 interview, Hazel said she and her husband were like "kids let loose at a new campsite" when they arrived at each new country.

Those who knew her say her faithfulness, smile and joyful spirit will be remembered.