Hazel Brown Mcconnell

Hazel Brown McConnell, age 99, died peacefully at home on January 2, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Born December 6, 1922, in Dublin, Georgia to the late Thomas Coke Brown and Hazel Phillips Brown, she cherished the memories and friendships of her life in Dublin, GA.

She attended Milledgeville Women’s College, Valdosta State University, and the University of Georgia graduating with a degree in chemistry. Hazel was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a beloved grandmother who always put her family first. She was a passionate gardener and bird-watcher, and an incredible cook and hostess who could whip up a meal for 20 in a moment’s notice. She had many famous and favorite recipes that none of her children have ever been able to duplicate quite like her. Hazel loved learning and had such an insatiable curiosity of life. She was married to Henry Scott McConnell from 1943 until Henry’s death in 2002, and they raised two daughters and three sons. They moved around constantly in the early years of their marriage, which she found to be quite adventuresome after growing up in a small south Georgia town.

In 1962, after ten years in Charlotte, NC, they moved their family to Atlanta where they settled permanently. She spent over 20 years working tirelessly for Atlanta Pool & Supply Company as Corporate Secretary. She wore many hats and with every responsibility she worked with dedication and purpose. She was a faithful servant of God and a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church calling Shallowford Presbyterian her home church since 1962. An eternal optimist throughout her life, Hazel met all of life’s up and downs with grace and determination, and a little humor along the way.  

The family is grateful to Mary Goldsmith, Hazel’s loving daughter, for all her care and support that enabled their Mother to remain in her home. Hazel was blessed by many caregivers who became very close and dear to her. The family wishes to thank Gloria, Yvonne, Alana, Andrea, Sandra, Pat, Elaine, and Ella, all angels on earth who provided tender loving care to Hazel. Also, the family gives their heartfelt thanks to Crossroads Hospice for their guidance, their answers to countless questions, and their constant support for Hazel’s comfort and care.

She is preceded in death by her father, Thomas, her mother, Hazel, and her husband, Henry. She is survived by her children; Lucile (Larry) Sledge of Fairview, PA, Thomas (Julianna) Scott McConnell of Suwanee, GA, Mary Anne Goldsmith of Atlanta, GA, James (Elizabeth) Phillips McConnell of Roswell, GA, William (Ligia) Henry McConnell of Atlanta, GA, and her dear cousin, Jane B. Holleman of Dublin, GA.

She was the cherished grandmother of Orryn, Rachel, Lisa, Laura, Sarah, Thomas, James, Ebby, and Hazel, and the step-grandmother of Preston and Shea. She was the great grandmother of Abigail, Emma, Maggie, Eva, Evan, Nathan, and Anne Marie, and the step-great grandmother of John, Joseph, Kate, and Grace, all whom she dearly loved.

Visitation is from 12:30-2:00 on January 9, 2022, at A.S. Turner & Sons located at 2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033. The funeral will be at 2:00 in the chapel with the burial service following at Floral Gardens Cemetery located at 3150 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA 30084.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shallowford Presbyterian Church for Alzheimer’s Support and Mission Outreach.