Obituary: Mildred “Jody” Hazlegrove
Mildred “Jody” Hazlegrove, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, departed this life on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Beaufort, South Carolina. She was born on May 31, 1932, in Henderson, Tennessee, where her roots formed the foundation of a life filled with love, laughter, and an enduring commitment to family and community.
Jody spent her career as a foreperson at an auto plant and later served as a supervisor with Harman Automotive, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a passion for her trade. After many fruitful years in Toone, she made the heartfelt decision to move to Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1996 with her husband, Ray. It was here that they continued to embrace life, steadfastly holding onto the values that defined them. Ray preceded her in death in 2001.
A vibrant spirit, Jody was known to many as “Mama Hoot,” a testament to her nurturing nature and the countless lives she touched. Her warmth extended beyond her family; she was actively involved in her son’s Band Boosters and found joy in baking cakes for the Blackwater Hunting service. She was a faithful member of Bolivar First Baptist Church, where her love for community thrived.
Jody cherished her time spent at the beach, always finding peace and happiness in the sun and surf. Known for her competitive spirit, she enjoyed a good card game of Rook, where her laughter could often be heard echoing among family and friends. Her sunny disposition and love for making connections left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, including her son Rickey Hazlegrove and his wife Mary, of Toone; three grandchildren, Amber, Brennon, and Melissa (David); and three great-grandchildren, James, Will (Rylie), and Ayden, each of whom she loved dearly. The love that Jody poured into her family will continue to resonate through their lives, guiding them as they carry forward her legacy of kindness and resilience.
Jody was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ray Edward Hazlegrove; her daughter, Vonda Crawford; and her parents, Vincent and Nell Howell Hopper. Additionally, she is now reunited with several brothers and sisters, who welcomed her with open arms.
A visitation to celebrate Jody’s remarkable life will be held at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Bolivar on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. She will be interred at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Henderson, Tennessee, where family and friends are invited to join in honoring her memory and legacy.
Jody Hazlegrove’s spirit will live on in the memories shared among those she loved, and her influence will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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