Obituary: Hazel Smith

Hazel T. Smith, age 101, passed away on September 17, 2014.

Mrs. Smith was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and worked for the U.S. government in Oak Ridge during the early 1940s. She moved to Nashville after World War II and was employed by the Tennessee Department of Employment Security for over 35 years, until her retirement.

Mrs. Smith was a member of Belle Meade United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling, exercising, playing cards, reading, knitting, and being with family and friends. She was truly a “people person.” Throughout her life, she loved all, forgave all, and was eternally optimistic, guided by her faith and her strong love of her beloved family.

Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Ida Tarwater; brother, James Tarwater; sisters, Lucille Evans and Mildred Earnest; and step-brother Bill Tarwater.

Survivors include her son, John O. Martinez (Martha); granddaughters, Mitzi Renfro (Jim), Vicki Dooley (Alan), and Sherri Johnson (Bob); eight great-grandchildren, Natalie Morosi (Mike), Allison Rattan (David), Jay and Nathan Renfro, Melissa and John Dooley, and Jennifer and Meredith Johnson; great-great-granddaughter, Ruby Grace Ratton; and several nieces and nephews.

A gathering for family and friends was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 20, at the Blakeford Burton Court Assisted Living Facility at 11Burton Hills Boulevard in Nashville. Bishop Robert Spain officiated.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Belle Meade United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Blakeford for their loving care. Online messages to the family may be left at www.martinfuneralhomeoakridge.com.

Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.