Hazel Gaddy Powell

Betty's picture.

Fleta's Picture.

About 4 years old, I think it was taken in California.

 Hazel C. Gaddy was born Jan. 24, 1921 and passed away September 6, 1992.  She married Gilbert Willis Powell May 16, 1937, She was 16 years old, Willis was 21.

They eloped and were married by Jesse Powell. Willis told the story many times how Jesse asked 3 times if she was 18 years old. He made her say yes 3 times even tho Jesse knew she was only 16.  The legal age to marry , without parents consent, was 18. They were supposed to be going to a church function with 2 friends but instead ended up at Jesse Powell's. Mama had on a beige dress but Daddy had bought her a light blue dress.She changed into the pretty blue dress to be married. When you look at the pictures you can see the blue dress is wrinkled. No telling where Daddy had it wadded up and hid.

Mama did not go back to her parents home until the next morning. Aunt Helen told me Grandpa Gaddy searched for them but could not find them anywhere. I have forgotten where they spent the night.

The next morning when they went to Grandpa Gaddy's home he threatened to get the marriage annulled. Grandma Gaddy cried and said they could not do that because Mama had been soiled. Mother told me that herself. (Momma told Patsy that they spent the honeymoon night in a field.  It was near where you turned off Highway 62 to go to Richard's place when he worked for Eldridge.  Right there where Tony used to live.)

On Daddy's death bed, Mama went into the living room where he laid in a hospital bed. He talked about courting her. He spoke about eating supper with her and her parents for the first time and Grandma Gaddy served spiced peaches. He also said, 'They didn't think we would ever make it. We sure showed them."

On her final day when the ambulance driver came to the home place to take her to the hospital. She told them right before they took her, "I have had a good life."

My Mama lived a very simple life. It seemed to suit her just fine. She loved us all.  She cared about her family and her home.

Hazel back row, on the right.  I think these are her cousins, Aunt Clara Biles' children.

Hazel on the left, Aunt Helen center front.

Before her marriage.

Wedding day.

I think this was also before she married.

Mama, Richard, Clayton, Patsy 1944/45

1948

Patsy, Willis, Clayton, Fleta, Hazel, Richard

All the Gaddy girls, pluse their husbands.  Houston Gaddy, Calvin Blevins, Willis Powell, D. A. Luckey, Irene Thomas Gaddy, Hettie Mae Gaddy Blevins, Hazel Gaddy Powell, Helen Gaddy Luckey.

Hazel was the only Gaddy child to stay married to her first husband, the only  one to have children, and at the end of life, the only one to have a happy, successful life.  Willis and Hazel had eight children that loved their parents, and cared for their parents when they could no longer care for themselves.  Mama loved all her family, parents, siblings, husband and children. We do not remember her ever saying a bad word about anyone.  She was a lovely, loving person. 

We miss you Mama.