Hazel F. Smith, age 71, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Hazel was born Sunday, July 2, 1950 in Rutherford County to the late Doc Bailey and Minnie Lee Bailey. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved taking care of her family. Hazel was of the Christian faith and enjoyed flower gardening and spending time outdoors. She will be missed dearly by all who loved her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Bud and Weldon Bailey and sisters, Bessie Hicks, Louise Matthews, Rosalee Nunez, Dorothy Spicer and Grace West.

Those left to cherish her memory include her two sons, John Smith (Tina) of Rutherfordton and Billy Sparks of Forest City; two daughters, Crystal Wray (Johnny) of Ellenboro and Gladys Ledford of Spindale; sisters, Ann Brooks of Mooresboro and Gladys Wilson (Marshall) of Rutherfordton; a stepson, Charles Smith, Jr (Lavonda) of Marion, NC; stepdaughters, Michelle Bradley (Bryan) of Polk County, Margie Beavers (Jackie) of Forest City and Maryann Smith of Forest City. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brittany Hudson (Brandon), Crystal Wray (Caleb), Johnathan Wray, Charles Smith, Brayden Smith, Amber Ledford, Bryson Waters, Michael Bradley, Brianna Bradley, Faith Beavers and Breanna Waters; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Greyson, Erica Wray, Payton Wray, Carter Wray and Kylah Willoughby.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 15, 2021 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Wayne Toney officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. At other times they will be gathered at 1014 S. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Memorial donations are requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com