Hazel Minetree

Hazel Waunetta Byrd Minetree, 95 formerly of Colonial Heights, VA., passed away Monday, February 18, 2008 at the Walnut Hill Convalescent Center, Petersburg, VA. Hazel was born in Grayson Co., Galax, Virginia. She was the oldest of nine children of the late Aldine Keiffer and Margie Lee Bourne Byrd. Her family moved to McKenney, Virginia when she was a small girl, and she has made her life in the tri-city area ever since. Hazel retired from Titmus Optical after 30 years of service. Her greatest joys and past times were keeping up with current events, the weather and making hand made quilts of which to her accomplishment add up to over a 100. Hazel was a member of the first 4-H club in the state of Virginia, where she learned her love of sewing. She has been a devoted member of West End Baptist Church for 72 years. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband Hugh Everett Minetree, a daughter Doris M. Hundley, sons Howard E. Minetree and Ronald E. Minetree, grandson Patrick Minetree and brothers Bernard Byrd and Ray Byrd, sisters Dorothy B. Martin and Hallie B. Martin. Hazel is survived by her daughters, Frances M. Stevens (Dennis) of Chester, VA, Joyce M. Russell (Daniel), Joan M. Hock (Jack) all of Bracey, VA., Nancy M. Wilkerson (Calvin), son, Robert G. Minetree, Sr. (Rochelle) all of Dinwiddie, VA., two very special daughters-in-law, Helen T. Minetree of Colonial Heights, VA., and Beverly M. Weisner of Chester, VA., 25 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 25 great great grandchildren; sisters, Helen B. Watkins of Pylesville, MD, Barbara B. Williams of Strasburg, VA; brother, Raleigh Byrd (Lena) of McKenney, VA., numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Thursday at Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George Co., VA. Flowers are welcome but memorial donations may be made to West End Baptist Church, 6506 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA 23803. Special thanks from the family to the nurses, aids and staff at Walnut Hill Convalescent Center, Petersburg, VA. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .