Hazel Baynes Carrothers

Hazel Baynes Carrothers, 83, died on April 24, 2017, in Tupelo, Mississippi, with her family by her side.

She was born in Rosedale, Mississippi, at King’s Daughter Hospital on March 2, 1934, to Oscar Thomas and Helen Dixon McDurmon Baynes. The middle child of five girls, she grew up in Arkansas and Mississippi, living on Quiver River where her father was the farm manager in the Mississippi Delta. Hazel graduated from Ruleville High School in 1952.

She married William (Billy) Stewart Carrothers on February 21, 1953, at the Baynes’ family house on Quiver River. Billy became an Air Force fighter pilot and served his country for 25 years. During their time in the Air Force, Billy and Hazel lived in Texas, New Mexico, California, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Turkey and Okinawa while raising five children. After Billy retired from the Air Force in 1980, they lived in Fort Worth, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Smithville, Mississippi in 2002.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Helen Baynes; sisters, Helen Rice, Pattye Tindle, Tommie Boaz, Shirley Hoskins; and daughter, Laura Sue Carrothers; and their infant granddaughter.

Hazel is survived by her husband, Billy; children, Bill (Cathy) of Amory, MS, David (Cheryl) of Juneau, Alaska; Donald (Marinell) of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; and Mary Odom (Jeff) of Belchertown, Massachusetts. She was proud of her ten grandchildren, Katie Hill (Jon) of Oswego, Illinois, Vince Carrothers of Asheville, North Carolina, Emily Carrothers of Willits, California, Ryan Carrothers of Davis, California, Brett Carrothers of Whittier, Alaska, Douglas Carrothers of Lawrence, Kansas, Scott Carrothers of New York City, New York, Justin Odom of Clinton, MS, Laura Banning (Todd) of Beaumont, Texas, and Travis Odom of Houston, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.

Hazel was a voracious reader, great cook, world traveler and proud Air Force wife. She was an active member of Smithville Baptist Church. She loved life and loved people. She will be deeply missed by all who came in contact with her.

Her Memorial Service will be held at 3 PM, Thursday, April 27 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Dr. Allen Simpson and Bro. Wes White officiating.

Visitation will be from 1-2:45 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please give to a charitable organization of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.