Obituary of Hazel Marie Townsend

Hazel Marie Townsend, age 82, of Catawba Terrace, Lenoir, passed away Friday evening, December 11, 2020 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. Born April 12, 1938 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Harrison and Mae Townsend. Mrs. Townsend was a long time member of the Holy Communion Lutheran Church, and in addition to being a housewife and homemaker, she worked as a seamstress at Huffman Hosiery Mills in Granite Falls. Hazel was always a hard worker for her family, doing everything from canning vegetables from the garden to making fudge for family and friends during the holiday seasons. She dearly loved her family and shared a special bond with her grandchildren. Her favorite pastime was enjoying the frequent family camping trips. Hazel is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gradie Townsend; daughters, Denise Danner and husband, David, of Drexel and Deloris Calloway and husband, Jon, of Granite Falls; son, Dennis Townsend and wife, Frances, of Lenoir; and grandchildren, Brandon Townsend and wife, Jen, Brittney Frazier and husband, Matthew, (and soon to be great-granddaughter, Bailey Grace Frazier), Kayla Danner, Zac Calloway and Lea Calloway. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter. Graveside services for Hazel Townsend will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, December l5th, at 2 o'clock at the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Robert Sain. The family respectfully requests those attending to please wear a mask and to observe social distancing. Friends may visit Austin & Barnes Tuesday morning from 9 AM until noon to pay respects and to sign the memorial register. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 1525 Clarks Creek Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Townsend family.