Hazel Virginia (Oliver) Garrett Johnson, 91, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, in Temple, TX. She suffered from dementia over her last decade and spent her last days surrounded by family. Hazel grew up in Algoma, MS a tight-knit community, becoming a high school basketball star. After high school, she married her childhood sweetheart, Charles. She was an Army wife traveling the world with her husband. She later had two daughters, Connie Diane (Garrett) Atkinson and Virginia Denise (Garrett) Kelly “Dennie.” In later years, they retired to a farm in Houlka, owned and operated Country Furniture, and were devoted members at New Life Freewill Baptist Church. Charles passed away in 1995 and she later married Army veteran, Louis H. Johnson. They made their home in Houlka and were devoted members in their church. Louis proceeded her in death in 2018. Hazel later moved to Copperas Cove, TX and was cared for by her daughter, Dennie, and grandchildren. She later moved to The Mercy House to help with her care for increasing dementia. There she made many friends and loved her nurses.
Hazel was proceeded in death by her parents, JB and Annie Kate Oliver, her sweetheart, William Charles Garrett, her second husband, Louis H. Johnson, and her daughters, Connie Diane (Garrett) Arkinson and Virginia Denise (Garrett) Kelly “Dennie.”
She is survived by her five grandchildren, Jonathan Kelly and wife Chrissy, Erin Kelly, Lindsey Kelly and Jonathan Edwards, Emily Whitten and husband Timothy, and Scott Atkinson, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.
Services will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 1PM at New Life Freewill Baptist Church, 4449 Wallfield Rd, New Houlka, MS with Bro. Johnny Cook officiating. Visitation will begin at 11AM and continue to service time. A private burial will follow in Williams Cemetery. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc is in charge of arrangements.
