Hazel Elizabeth Roberts

 

Hazel Elizabeth Roberts

1921-2014

Roberts, Hazel Elizabeth (Berrey) passed on to her Lord and Savior on April 10, 2014.  She was born on the 30th day of November, 1921, to Dr. Leo A. and Eudora (Moore) Berrey, in DeRidder, Louisiana.  When Hazel was eight months of age her family moved to Sinton, Texas, where her father continued his medical practice.  The Berrey family moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for several years in order for Dr. Berrey to care for his ailing mother.  Following her death, the family returned to Texas, settling in Corpus Christi where they resided until Dr. Berrey’s death.  Mrs. Berrey then brought the family to Edmond, Oklahoma, where her father had been an ‘89er, and where she was born and reared and had family living.

After finishing high school in Edmond, Hazel received her BA degree with lifetime teaching certificates in English and Spanish from the University of Central Oklahoma.  It was during her college years when a young doctor came to her home to see her sick grandmother that Hazel first met her one and only love.  Dr. Wayne H. Roberts had been practicing medicine in Edmond since moving there in 1937.  Much of their following courtship was with Hazel waiting in the car while Dr. Roberts made house calls over much of Oklahoma County, or hours shared in the air flying in Dr. Roberts’ private plane.  Hazel and Dr. Roberts were married on July 12. 1944, and had 63 years of loving together on their way to forever.  The greatest joys of their lives were their two children, a daughter and a son.

Hazel was an active member of the Edmond First Presbyterian Church where she supervised the Primary Department and taught Sunday School for some years.  She was a member and Past President of both the District and State Associations of the AOOA, affiliated with her husband’s professional association.  She also was an active member of the Porsche Club of America for many years.  She had a lifelong love of music.  Both Hazel and her husband enjoyed attending performances at the Metropolitan Opera often, even going to Spain in 1992 for the opening of the new opera house in Seville.

Hazel and Dr. Roberts loved to travel and shared trips to the Orient, Greece and the Greek Isles, Spain, Canada, golfing in Scotland and many trips to Hawaii and Mexico.  These travels included their children whenever possible.  Gardening also brought much pleasure to Hazel.  From early spring through autumn their longtime Edmond residence displayed the beauty and color of flowers and their grounds became a haven for birds and wildlife.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, one brother and one sister.  She also was preceded in death in 2007 by both her husband and only son, B. Wayne Roberts.

Survivors include daughter, Marcia L. Nichols, San Antonio, TX; daughter-in-law Sandra K. Roberts, Edmond, OK; and six grandchildren:  Glenn and wife Susana, Euless, TX; Allen Roberts, Euless, TX; M. Travis Smith and wife Amanda, Pipe Creek, TX; Ryan A. Smith, Lorena, TX; Ty B. Smith; San Antonio, TX; and Allegra E. Smith, Oklahoma City, OK.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all of those who provided care and support to Hazel:  Tammy and all of the caregivers at Touchmark Assisted Living Center; Centennial Hospice, especially Hazel’s favorite nurse, Teri; and the aides from Right at Home who provided additional support and companionship for Hazel.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Centennial Hospice in memory of Hazel.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 6-8 pm at Matthews Funeral Home. Private services are to be held for family and close friends.