Hazel Campbell

CAMPBELL, Hazel, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Oak Leaf, Texas on November 19, 2013. Hazel was born August 7, 1921 at home in Breckenridge, Texas to W. R. “Dad” Swinney and “Neva” Bateman Swinney. Her mother died in childbirth in 1928 when Hazel was only 7 years old with three younger siblings. About a year later, Ruby "Mom" Swinney became their step-mother and helped "Dad" raise them. Hazel grew up in west Texas, where her father worked for various oil companies during the 20's, 30's and 40's. She graduated from high school in Goodman, Texas at the age of 16 in a class of about 10 students. She left that summer for Abilene, Texas to attend Parson's Beauty School and received her beautician's license at age 17. She worked for several salons over the years and at one point, she even owned her own salon in Dallas, Texas. In 1942, after the start of WWII, she left Texas and moved near the Army base at Marysville, California where she got a Civil Service job driving a staff car for the post surgeon. In June of 1948 she was accepted to airline flight attendant school for American Airlines in Ardmore, Oklahoma, however, on her way to school, she stopped in Dallas, Texas to visit friends and met the love of her life, John Campbell. Her new career as a flight attendant was soon forgotten, and they were married on August 14, 1948. She and John became the proud parents of William "Ed" Campbell in July 1949. They lived in the Dallas area and eventually moved to DeSoto, where John was a land developer for several years and Mayor. Hazel helped John by decorating model homes and doing the bookkeeping. Hazel was the extraordinary combination of wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, homemaker, and business woman. Hazel's husband John passed away in 2002, but she stayed busy and active, spending time with friends and family. Hazel enjoyed playing bridge, visiting the nearby casinos, and getting together with her book club. Hazel was a vibrant woman full of energy and good humor almost right up to her final days. She will be greatly missed. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband: John E. Campbell in 2002; parents: “Neva” Swinney and “Dad” Swinney; step-mother: Ruby “Mom” Swinney; sisters: Katy Bob Terry, Millie Beadel, Ada Florence Swinney and brother: Odell Swinney. Survivors include her son: Ed Campbell and his wife Sally; grandsons: John E. Campbell of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Kenneth J. Campbell of Dallas, Texas, several nieces, nephews and cousins. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at WEST/HURTT Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Campbell Foundation – 4809 Cole Avenue, Suite 347, Dallas, TX 75205 (214.521.9293) or to the charity of your choice. The family of Hazel would like to thank the many care givers and family that looked after Ms. Hazel, taking such good care of her until she drew her last breath. This brought such great comfort to the family at such a difficult time.