Hazel was born in Nashville, daughter of the late Fredrick Clifton “Fred” Oakley and Mary Lelia Johnson Oakley. She was a member of Pleasant View Church of Christ. She retired after nearly 30 years of service from the Dickson Co. Board of Education as a cook for the former William James School, White Bluff Elementary, and William James Jr. High School.
A renaissance woman, Mrs. Spicer lived a full life. She was a wonderful mother to her children and a cherished grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Her husband of more than 46 years, John Paul Spicer predeceased her in 1993. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Margie Hatchett and her sons-in-law, Carl Meadows and Jimmy Cunningham.
Hazel was a writer, a self-taught musician, and had a keen interest in genealogy. She served her church as a Sunday School teacher. She served her community and supported her children’s endeavors as PTA president, an Avon Lady, and as a volunteer leader in Girl Scouts, Brownies, and Cub Scouts. And Mrs. Spicer loved gardening (both flowers and vegetables) and was fond of all animals. At one time, she had a “singing” chicken who “sang” as she accompanied her on the piano! She has even been known to remodel her own house and to build an out-building in her yard. She was not afraid of hard work and was a blessing and inspiration to her family, her church, and her community.
Survivors include her son, David Spicer (Tempie), Dickson; four daughters, Pauline “Polly” Payne (Ed), Antioch, TN, Jan Meadows, White Bluff, Margie Spicer, LaVergne, TN, and Betty Cunningham, Charlotte; a brother, Ralph Oakley (Linda), White Bluff; a sister, Fay Smith (Kenneth), Hermitage, TN; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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