Hazel Marie Russell

Hazel Marie Deem Russell, 78 of Alderson, passed away Wednesday, December 9th at the home of her daughter Lillian Tamara Conner. Hazel was born in Ronceverte on September 25th, 1942 to Sam & Ethel Deem. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband Romalee Goins, and three brothers: Charles, Gary, and Sammy Deem. She leaves behind two daughters, Tammie & Debbie, two grandchildren, Andy & Chelsey, two honorary grandchildren, Samantha & Ashleigh, two sisters, Doris & Louise, and three brothers, Tommy, Roger, and Johnny Deem. The happiest years of her life were spent on her farm on Muddy Creek Mountain, surrounded by her cows, with her former husband, Romalee, her grandson Andy, and her little dog Snuggles. Special thanks to those that cared for her during the last years of her life: daughter & son-in-law Lilly & Leonard Conner, grandchildren Ashleigh Lyall & Andy Morgan, family friend Julie Brewster, and her beloved sister and best friend Doris Lovelace. Special thanks to Jamie & Krissy Fuda, Bob & Anna Carr, and Pastor Anthony & Lisa Carter of The River of Life Church of God in Alderson. To honor her request, there will be no services, and she has been buried at Ketron Cemetery in Ronceverte. Two Mothers Remembered By Joann Snow Duncanson I had two Mothers – two Mothers I claim Two different people, yet with the same name. Two separate women, diverse by design, But I loved them both because they were mine. The first was the Mother who carried me here, Gave birth and nurtured and launched my career. She was the one whose features I bear, Complete with the facial expressions I wear. She gave me her love, which follows me yet, Along with the examples in life that she set. As I got older, she somehow younger grew, And we’d laugh as just Mothers and daughters should do. But then came the time that her mind clouded so, And I sensed that the Mother I knew would soon go. So quickly she changed and turned into the other, A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my Mother. Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length, But now she was the child and I was her strength. We’d come full circle, we women three, My Mother the first, the second and me. And if my own children should come to a day, When a new Mother comes and the old goes away, I’d ask of them nothing that I didn’t do. Love both of your Mothers as both have loved you.