Hazel Jane Harris Young

Hazel Jane Harris Young, of Christiansburg, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. She was born on June 22, 1925, to the late Claude Eddison and Clara Ada Moles Harris. One of eight children, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Nola and Vesta; brothers, Wakley, Pete, Starling, and Trent. Hazel was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas G. Young; and daughter, Patsy Brubaker.

Hazel is survived by her son, Danny R. Young of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Ryan Young, Kristen Vorachith, and Richelle Petersheim; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Velva East; as well as 11 nieces and three nephews.

Hazel moved to Floyd at the age of 19 and started to work in Floyd Garment Factory making men’s shirts, and was living with Mrs. Maberry, next to the Maberry Funeral Home. Shortly thereafter met the love of her life, T. G. ‘Godfrey’ Young and moved to Christiansburg to start a new life. The young couple took up housekeeping in an apartment on Forest Street where their son was born. They were later able to build a house at 101 Angle Drive, where their daughter was born. Hazel was a housewife for most of her married life, but did some babysitting to bring in some extra money for the family. After their children graduated from high school, she went to work for a daycare center for a number of years where she enjoyed working with the children and getting to know their parents. She was very proud of her accomplishment of buying a car and helping her husband with various obligations around the house.

She and Godfrey lived at their Christiansburg home until her husband died from cancer in September, 1999. Hazel continued to live there until she fell and broke a shoulder. After a few months of rehabilitation, she returned to her home. She stayed fairly active, visiting neighbors and talking on the telephone. She stayed at home for eight months until she fell and broke her hip, and went to Heritage Hall for rehab. Hazel was a long time member of Park United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 9, 2017, from 10 am until noon at Horne Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will begin at noon in the Chapel, with Pastor Robert Wright officiating. Interment will follow in the Harris Family Cemetery in Willis, VA.

A special thanks to Heritage Hall and staff for taking care of my mother. Her stay was wonderful and she called it ‘home’.