On November 19, 2022, Hazel Cumi Turney Ward, passed away at age 92. Born to Wesley Mason Turney and Sarah Bernice Lemmond Turney, Hazel graduated from Florence State College with a degree in education. She began her 35-year elementary school teaching career at Rison Elementary in Huntsville and finished her career at Chapman Elementary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Oliver Ward, her parents, and siblings, Latane Turney Burgess and Russell Coy Turney. She is survived by four siblings, Rev. Franlkin Delano Turney, Hartselle, Dr. Shannon Turney (Peggy), Huntsville, Norris Turney (Mary Frances), Hartselle, and Joy Turney Rowan, Tallahassee, FL; beloved nice and nephew, Elizabeth Turney Ryan and Wendell Turney; and many other nieces and nephews.
Hazel had a big heart and much love for children. She served children not only as a teacher, but with the Order of the Eastern Star and its affiliation with Cahaba Shrine Temple. She often spoke fondly of and was quite moved by her experiences with the children she met at various Shriners Hospitals around the country.
The family would like to thank Hazel’s caregivers at Regency Nursing home for their care and dedication to her.
A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22 at Huntsville Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.donate.lovetotherescue.org).
