Hazel Billingsley

Hazel Charlene Billingsley, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on August 4, 1930, in Grimsley, TN, to the late Albert Harlan Richards and Bessie Edith Ramsey Richards. Hazel and her family moved from Grimsley to the Cumberland County Homesteads when she was four years old. Her family has always enjoyed hearing Hazel and her siblings recall fun memories being raised there. She was known for her kind, thoughtful, and loving nature throughout her life.

Hazel is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia and Don Spurlock, Amy and Gary Medley all of Cookeville, Pamela and Martin Sheldon of Gallatin, TN; six grandchildren, Kristin (Jeremy) Tomes of Huntsville, AL, Jonathan (Jenna) Medley, Cynthia Medley, Edward Spurlock, Sarah Sheldon, and Jared (Rachael) Sheldon all of Cookeville; eight great-grandchildren, Addie, Camryn, and Deyhan Tomes, Avery, Tucker, Ellie Medley, Dillon and Lyla Sheldon, and her ninth is awaiting to be born. Hazel is also survived by her four sisters, Polly Tollett, Sue Blackwell, and Kay McElhone all of Kokomo, IN, Brenda (Bob) South of Madisonville, TN; brother, Troy Richards of Kokomo, IN; two sisters-in-law, Kaye Richards of Clarkrange, and Frances Billingsley of Lacassas, TN; brother-in-law, Shirley Billingsley of Cookeville; and several nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Billingsley; infant son, Ralph Billingsley Jr., brothers, Gene Richards, and Mike Richards; and great-grandchildren, Steven and Emma Spurlock.

Hazel dedicated her professional life to helping others, retiring from the State of Tennessee as a speech and hearing specialist in elementary schools. Her passion for service extended beyond her career, as she was a member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter #152 for over 50 years. Hazel's faith was evident as a longtime member of Post Oak Shade Freewill Baptist Church.

Family was at the heart of Hazel's life, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she took great joy in watching them grow and thrive. Hazel's love for her family was evident in her incredible cooking skills, she delighted in opening her doors to friends and family alike.

Hazel's legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. We can look to her life as an example of how to live with grace, compassion, and love.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday May 13 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Bro. Dow Allen will officiate. Interment will follow at J.J. White Cemetery. Her family will welcome friends Friday from 5 - 8 p.m. and again Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Medley, Jared Sheldon, Jeremy Tomes, Bob South, David Richey, Ken Matheney, and Shirley Billinglsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Spurlock, Bob White, Tucker Medley, Dillon Sheldon, and Davis Watts.

Memorial contributions may be made to J.J. White Cemetery, c/o Gary Medley, 3531 White Cemetery Rd., Cookeville, TN 38501.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.