Barbara Rowe Woolley Hazard's Obituary
Barbara Rowe Woolley Hazard, 83, passed away at home in Cumming, Georgia on Saturday, September 21, 2024 of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. To the very end she maintained her will for independence, quick wit and wry sense of humor. She’s remembered for her kindness and strength, intelligence, and her love for close friends and family - especially her husband of 56 years, Burton Edward Hazard, who preceded her in death in 2017.
Barbara was born in Tyler, Texas, the daughter of the late William Corliss Woolley and Gertrude Rowe Woolley. She’s the oldest of three siblings. Barbara grew up in Texas, attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, and the University of Texas where she and Burt met. They were married in Dallas on a rare snowy day in 1961.
They raised two daughters, Corliss and Alysia, and Burt’s work took them from Texas to Illinois, to Georgia and around the southeast, to Oklahoma, and then back to Texas. Barbara spent the last 3 and a half years in beautiful north Georgia with family in the area, where she enjoyed a fascination with thunderstorm watching and weather gazing. She also loved her wine and drank no wine before its time - which was no earlier than 4pm on a weekday.
Barbara was a homemaker when her children were young, and she was a popular mom as the school activities carpool driver, sure to stop for slurpees. She liked to try new recipes and decorate for holidays, and was herself always a smart dresser. She was the go-to for help with science projects, English papers, scouting badges, and loved having her daughters’ friends to her home for sleepovers. When her kids were teenagers, she took up a long career in the legal field, retiring at age 65. She spent 21 years at Fenton Law Firm in Oklahoma City. Throughout her life she was involved in family outings and in church activities. Never forgetting a birthday or even dates of life events, Barbara loved shopping for and sending just the right card.
She was a woman of strong faith, participating in Methodist church circles and as the altar guild chairperson at their Episcopal church in OKC. Barbara was not a fan of pets having full reign of her house, but she always took care of the strays her kids would inevitably bring home, and for years assumed care of a feral cat in OKC.
She was a voracious reader and collected a library of about 2500 pounds of hardbound books to which anyone helping her move could attest, and couldn’t throw away an old magazine clipping or travel memorabilia, either. She was an avid collector of many things, particularly items gifted to her by friends. If you have ever sent Barbara a Christmas card, a birthday card, or even a note to ask her to get your mail, rest assured she still has it.
Her other pastimes included watching crime shows, British dramas, and the news, which she always talked back to with blow by blow commentary. She and Burt enjoyed being members of the Mustang Club, of which she served as social chairman for many years.
Barbara never lost her trademark beautiful smile. Her caregivers at the assisted living always commented on her sweet disposition and constant bright smile. She will truly be missed by so many.
Barbara is survived by daughters Corliss Hazard and Alysia Renn (Chris), grandchildren Lanier Mize, Courtney Mize, Michelle Hazard Rodriguez, Emily Strange (Brent), and Bailey Renn. She also leaves behind sister Susanne Woolley Barton (Conway), brother William Corliss Woolley, nieces and nephews Kyle Brown (Lupe), Kim Nordgren (Glen), Chad Essary (Kelly), Amy Hilliard (Nathan), Julie Surley (Nathan), and numerous great nieces and nephews. She is also preceded in death by grandson Chris Hazard.
The family will receive visitors Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Restland Funeral Home. Graveside services to honor her life will be held October 3, 2024 at 1:00pm at Restland Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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