Hazel Marie Bryant, 81 of Junction City passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at her home.
She was born on March 8, 1941, the daughter of William and Leona (Campbell) Lee in Sandoval. She married the love of her life, Sammie Bryant on January 24, 1958, and he preceded her in death on June 13, 2021.
Survivors include her beloved family, children, Sheryl (Gary) Kleiboeker of Iuka, Brenda (Kevin) Ashley of Pulleys Mill, Teresa Clark of Kinmundy, Jim (Robin) Bryant of Junction City; grandchildren, Patti (Aaron) Tate, Hank (Danielle) Jourdan, Gary (Marie) Kleiboeker Jr., Jessica (Gerry) Tabor, Rev. Sam (Christy) Hester, Jennifer Marshall, Brittany (Logan) Smith, Shane, JD, and Sammie Jr. Clark, Michael, David, and Steven Wooden, Cynthia (Kyle) Hohman, Chontae (Chris) Paniskni, Cody and Nathaniel Bryant; 25 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brothers Vernon (Patsy) Lee of Vernon, Lawrence Lee of Junction City; sister Barbara (Carson) Cooper of Irvington; sisters-in-law Patricia Lee, and Nadine Lee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Along with her husband of 63 years, Sammie Bryant, Hazel was preceded in death by her parents William and Leona Lee; sister Emma (Jack) Meyer; brothers Clarence Lee, and Norman Lee; daughter Christine (Frank) Ristick; grandson Nicholas “Nick” Kleiboeker; and son-in-law Sam Clark.
Hazel was a faithful member of Calvary Pentecostal Church, where she shared her musical gift by playing the accordion, which she enjoyed up until her stroke in 2016, and was forever grateful for her church family. She was no stranger to hard work and held several positions over the years. Hazel was employed by Miss Elaine’s, St. Mary’s Hospital, Kaskaskia College in food services, and Little Fuse all in Centralia. She worked for Schutte Manufacturing in Salem as a stitcher until her retirement. Hazel’s chicken and dumplings and deviled eggs were enjoyed by everyone. She was a wonderful caregiver to her exotic birds and fed the wild birds and squirrels that visited her yard. Hazel was an amazing example of a lady of strong faith, who loved her family dearly and always had a pot of coffee on.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 31, 2022, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval with her grandson Rev. Sam Hester officiating. Interment will follow at the Sandoval City Cemetery in Sandoval. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services on Monday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Hazel’s honor to the Calvary Pentecostal Church. Online condolences and memories of Hazel may be shared with the family at www.maczfunerlahomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
