Hazel Reedy Shearer, a beautiful and Godly woman, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 21, 2018.
Hazel’s journey began on October 6, 1927 in Bickmore; she was the second of four daughters of Jesse and Ocie Osborne Reedy.
In 1943, while a student at Clay County High School, Hazel met the very handsome Russell Patrick Shearer (Pat) of Clay. Truly smitten from the beginning, Pat tried to convince Hazel to marry him when they were only 13 years old. They both went on to graduate, and Hazel also graduated from Glenville State College with her teaching degree in 1950, while Pat went on to serve our country in the military. The two lovebirds finally married at the age of 25 on January 9, 1953 at Hazel’s parent’s home in Bickmore.
After marrying, Pat and Hazel quickly began their family. Their children are: Russell Patrick (Joyce) Shearer, Jr., Rachel Frances Shearer (Rocky) Osborne, Roberta Reedy Shearer (Barry) Faile and Ritchie Jesse Shearer.
Hazel’s grandchildren, Adam (Natalie) Osborne; Amanda (Stan) Souder; Andrew (Charity) Osborne; Anthony Osborne; Russell (Seanna) Shearer; Michael (Megan) Shearer; Abraham (Holly) Osborne; Avery Osborne and her great grandchildren, Hailey; Adrian; Layton and Colton Osborne; Isabella Souder; Ava; Lucy and August Shearer and Kamryn Vankirk were the light of her life.
Hazel was a member of Clay First Baptist Church. She enjoyed participating in the outdoor drama, “Solomon’s Secret,” spending time at the beach and caring for the family cemetery.
Hazel spent her teaching career working in the Clay County School system, retiring in 1987. She started the first girls’ basketball, track and softball programs. She received much recognition as a coach including New River Valley Coach of the Year, WV Coaches Association Coach of the Year and Runner-Up for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year. In 2016 she was inducted into the CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Hazel could hit basketball shots from half court and once made 58 foul shots in a row.
Until her illness, Hazel remained active believing exercise could cure many ailments. She walked daily with her dog Lucky and she loved to mow grass, swim and play with her grandchildren. She was fearless and was the calm in many storms.
Hazel’s husband Pat preceded her in death, as well as her youngest son Jesse; her parents and her sisters; June George, Mae Workman and Nancy Legg and her brother Lanzo Moore.
Visitation was held on Saturday, June 23 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Wilson Shamblin Smith Funeral Home in Clay. The funeral service was officiated by Rocky Osborne on Sunday, June 24, at 2 p.m. at Clay First Baptist Church, Clay, WV. Burial followed at the Reedy Cemetery, Bickmore.
Hazel’s family would like to thank her special angels, Pam Truman, Sonja Horrock, Edie Sanders, Angie Butler, Amber Ball, Cheryl Harper, Tina Curry, Frances Carter, Trista Rush, Doris Stone, Rachel Truman and Janice Moore for helping with her care over the past few years.
On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.
