Hazel Gentle Gurley

Hazel Elizabeth Gentle Gurley, age 91, of 1014 Cathey Road, Charlotte, NC 28214 transitioned peacefully into her heavenly home on August 25, 2023 . Hazel grew up in Statesville, NC and married the love of her life, Glenn Alexander Gurley on October 7, 1949.

Hazel was predeceased by her parents, James Theodore Gentle, a mill worker, and Ina Mae Hedrick Gentle, a homemaker, three siblings, Cecil Gentle, Helen Gentle Gemes, and Larry Gentle, her husband, Glenn Alexander Gurley, her much loved son, Michael James Gurley, and her beloved daughter-in-law, Robin Dorsett Gurley. She is survived by her sister, Glenda Gentle Vanhoy, her children, Pamela Gurley Mullins and David, and Glenn Alexander Gurley, Jr., seven grandchildren, Joe Greene, Jr., and Holly, Shannon Greene and Julie, Christy Ballard, Elizabeth Mauney and Steven, Erin Greene, Katherine Leach and Ray, and Alexandra Dwight and James, and 13 great-grandchildren, Savannah and Tyler Greene and Morgan Strickland, Evan Greene, Mason and Abby Pruden, Isaac, Elise, Grace, and Cole Mauney, Skyler and Megan Greene, and Lincoln Leach, daughter in law Susan Martin Gurley.

Hazel graduated from Statesville High School in 1949, lived on Cedar Street, attended Western Avenue Baptist Church, and worked at a Statesville five-and-dime store. On May 2, 1949, Hazel chanced a blind date, met Glenn Gurley, fell in love, became engaged after two dates, and celebrated 70 years of marriage to Glenn the year they were finally parted by his passing. She lived a fulfilling life as a homemaker and helper to her husband.

She liked to keep her hands busy, which resulted in lovely clothes for her daughter and lots of beautiful needlework, such as yo-yo bedspreads and cross-stitch pictures. She also enjoyed creating ceramics and beadwork ornaments. Hazel spent hours working jigsaw puzzles and was always excited to show the finished product. She was also quite the card shark and spent hours circling words. Her favorite color was blue and she relished in black coffee and chocolate in any form. She adored the monthly family gatherings held at her home and insisted that she and her husband, Glenn, affectionately known to the family as Paw-Paw, prepare, serve, and clean up everything so that the rest of the family could enjoy being together.

Hazel faithfully hosted the community ladies’ Bible study in her home for over 20 years and she was truly a gentle soul who put the needs of others above her own. She was a Christian servant who delighted in sharing her home and food with all who walked through her door.

While at Matthews Health and Rehab, she offered gratitude to God for the wonderful life He gave her. She never failed to say that God had always been good to her. And, she found something complementary and encouraging to say to anyone who walked through her door.

The service will be Sunday, August 27 at 2:00 pm at Durham Memorial Baptist Church (1601 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC 28214) The graveside service at Forest Lawn West (4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208) on Tuesday, August 29 at 10 am.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Durham Memorial Baptist Church in the church's fellowship hall. Please join us for coffee, tea, and cookies. Pamela will receive at her home (909 Evian Lane, Matthews, NC 28105) on Friday and Saturday, August 25 & 26.

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