Hazel Levene Harris Baxter's Obituary
The service can be live-streamed at the following link: https://m.facebook.com/TrinityLifeChurchofGod
Hazel Levene Harris Baxter was born 9-17-1923 in Miami, FL. She was the middle child with 8 siblings. She was born at home during a hurricane. Her mother was a school teacher in North Florida before she married and Hazel's father was a painter who also did some interior decorating. He liked to tinker and make inventions. He eventually divorced her mother and moved to Washington state, working and retiring from General Dynamics.
Hazel's mother pushed her children towards music. Hazel played the violin, piano and guitar. Soon she and her siblings were giving "free gospel concerts" every night as the neighbors gathered to listen. They also performed at various churches in the Miami area. Eventually they sang and played on Miami radio stations and competed in gospel singing contests.
Times were tough. It was the depression and Hazel's dad left them. Hazel dropped out of school and worked various jobs to help support the family. She eventually went back and earned her GED, then went to what is now Lee University in Tennessee. Her siblings married or left home but Hazel remained unmarried. She and her mother bought a new house in Hialeah, Florida. Hazel began working for Eastern Airlines. While working at Eastern, she met Don Baxter and married him in 1956. She shocked her famiy by marrying a big man who was a linebacker for the University of Florida. He was a Christian and their first date involved dinner and going to church together.
Hazel gave birth to her daughter Ethel in 1957. She stopped working at Eastern to pursue motherhood full time. She taught Sunday School and sang in the choir and developed a strong love of the outdoors as she accompanied her husband on camping and fishing adventures. Hazel would always catch fish even if no one else did! She created quilts and stained glass lampshades. She liked to reupholster and refinish furniture. She enjoyed good pranks and loved to laugh.
Don bought 20 acres in Okeechobee, FL and placed a pink camping trailer on the property. This was the family getaway location and many happy weekend trips were spent in Okeechobee. Hazel always attended Church of God Camp Meeting. She only missed it one time... when she had knee surgery! She became a real estate agent
Don eventually retired early due to health issues and they moved full time to Okeechobee, FL and into a new home there. Unfortunately, Don died of a stroke within 6 months of his retirement. After Don's death, Hazel and Ethel traveled quite a bit during this time period; seeing most of the USA, Israel and England. Hazel moved to Lakeland, Florida within the next year and began attending Trinity Life Church. It was there she found her calling when Carol Johnson asked her to become the Harvest Years leader. She worked in that position for more than 20 years. She loved her seniors.
When it became apparent she needed some assistance, she moved to live with her daughter, Ethel in Maitland, FL where she resided until her passing. She attended church with Ethel and continued serving when possible. She passed away peacefully on 1-14-23.
What’s your fondest memory of Hazel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hazel?
Share a story where Hazel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hazel you’ll never forget.
How did Hazel make you smile?
