Aside from one mishap that kept Hazel Spivey from working in the crowd, her 90th birthday was “everything I hoped for.”
Spivey, formerly of Pike County, celebrated her milestone birthday with a full house of family and friends in the Ozark on Sunday.
“It’s a day I will always remember,” Spivey said. “Everyone has been so good to me and everyone has been so good to Charlie. I wish he could have lived to be with me today.”
Spivey’s son had cerebral palsy, but she was dedicated to ensuring that his every need was met and that every opportunity was available to him.
“Charlie wasn’t a burden to Hazel; His condition was a challenge to overcome,” said Freddie Turner. “Hazel has dedicated her life to helping Charlie meet this challenge.”
Many of those who attended Hazel’s 90th birthday party were involved in the scouting program that was such an important part of the mother and son’s lives. Both achieved the highest placings in scouting, Charlie, an Eagle Scout, and Hazel, a Silver Beaver Award winner.
But Sunday marked Hazel Spivey’s 90th anniversary, and many in attendance spoke of her commitment to her children, Charlie and Glenda, to Scouting, to her workplace and to the communities in which she lived.
For some, including Richard Parker, Hazel Spivey was like a second mother and one who was always available to others in times of need.
“Hazel is a special person who is willing to do anything to help others, no matter what the need,” he said.
Hazel was recognized as a compassionate person who at one point “helped all of us in the room.”
“Doc” Kirby, Troy radio personality, Scout leader and friend of Spivey, said Hazel Spivey lived as if by the Scout Oath. “Hazel is and was (with guests unanimous) trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, courageous, clean and reverent.”
Kirby said Hazel’s involvement extended to the workplace, citing her involvement with Hazel’s Café in Brundidge for Krystal and KFC (longtime) in Troy.
Spivey loved music and sang country and gospel on local and regional radio stations.
John McCall said he never met Spivey but spoke to her many times when she made inquiries about the WTBF. McCall then played a recording of country songwriter Bobby Tomberlin and wished Hazel Spivey a wonderful 90th birthday.
Trojan Joyce Dix said that Hazel Spivey is loved by those who know her.
“Hazel is gentle, she is tough; She’s loved and she loves,’ Dix said. “This day meant so much to her. She has a scrapbook full of memories and I’m sure this day will be at the top of her book. Hazel is a darling. She deserves this day and this outpouring of love.”
–
