Hazel Henry Searcy

Hazel Tobler Henry Searcy, our beautiful mom, was born on July 26, 1925, in Spiro, Oklahoma, the daughter of Bertha and Ennie Tobler. She died on April 6, 2024 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 98.

Hazel grew up with 7 siblings, and her love of family was the cornerstone of her life. She was very proud of her brothers and sisters, who were also her best friends. She gave this gift of family devotion to her children, who are extremely close to their cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Hazel graduated from Spiro High School in 1943 and moved to Shawnee to attend Oklahoma Baptist University, graduating in 1946. She loved her job as secretary to the OBU president, Dr. John Wesley Raley. It was at OBU that she met Lloyd Henry, a handsome and ornery young paratrooper who had recently returned from the war. They married in August of 1946 at the First Baptist Church of Shawnee. With the exception of 3 years in Norman for Lloyd to attend OU law school, she made Shawnee her lifetime home.

Hazel was very active in her church, teaching 3 year olds in Sunday School with Susanna Hunter for many years, and meeting her closest friend, Billie Sullivan. They were friends for almost 70 years, raising their kids together and enjoying combined family outings.

When Lloyd died suddenly in 1984, Hazel’s heart was broken. After many months of despair, she began to venture out again. Her wonderful friend and neighbor Norman Searcy, who had also experienced the loss of a spouse, was an important support to her. They were married in 1986 and shared 27 happy years together until Norman’s death in 2013.

Hazel was kind and charming, always making connections and enjoying people. She loved to read, visit with family and friends, watch OU football games, and cheer on her current favorite pro team, the Kansas City Chiefs (and the Broncos before that, and the Cowboys before that!).

 Our family is so grateful to the amazing staff of Shawnee Memory Care, who loved and cared for Hazel the past two years, even adopting her as “Grandma”.

Survivors include Hazel’s sister Gloria Brown and brother Jim Tobler, both of Shawnee, who visited her daily and kept her supplied with books and desserts and family news; sister Annette Smith (Stu) of Colorado; sons, Wayne Henry (Helen) and Robert Henry (Jan); daughter Lisa McGehee (Marty); grandchildren Meghan Roe (Brian), Harlan Henry, Amy Bloodworth (Gabe), Rachel Henry, and Josh Henry; great grandchildren Bennett Roe (whom she called her “best friend”), Riley Roe, Elliott Bloodworth, Andrew Bloodworth, Lain Bohanon, and Genèt Bohanon; son Mars Martinez (Mindy) and their children, Michael and Morgan; a special stepdaughter, Jeny Searcy and stepsons Mike and Tim Searcy (Kelly); stepdaughter Sarah Winchell; their children and grandchildren; her “rescuer”, nephew John Brown; and many other nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, that she totally adored.

Viewing will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 from 8-5 at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service. A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held on Saturday, April 13, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Church, 227 N Union Ave in Shawnee.

Memorial gifts in memory of Hazel may be given to:

Eagles Nest International

Education Program

PO Box 637

Burleson, TX 76097

www.Eaglesnestint.org

or to

Heritage Church

227 N Union Ave

Shawnee, OK 74801