Hazel E. Gossett
Hazel Ellene Gossett, of Hot Springs, died Oct. 26, 2018, at the age of 90.
She was born in Gurdon, Ark., on March 9, 1928, to Samuel Dewey Francis and Ethel Willingham Francis. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sami Jean, as well as her parents.
Hazel is survived by her son, Roger Gossett and his three children, Randalynn Gossett Zenner (Gregory), Gregory Keith Gossett, Grant Ellis Gossett, and her adorable great-granddaughter, Avery Grace Zenner, all of Houston, Texas; her daughter, Cynthia Rickman and son-inlaw, Oscar Ellis Rickman, of Richland, Wash. While her children ventured out of state, you can be sure that Hazel was a TRUE ARKANSAN!
She is remembered fondly as “Miss Hazel” in her days at City Hall, where she worked for 31 years. On retirement in 1989, she received the Arkansas Traveler Distinguished Plaque, as well as many other professional awards. She was a welcome sight at City Hall and a pillar in the Hot Springs Municipal Court System. She always had a smile on her face as she came to the counter to help those in need. She helped many turn their lives around for the betterment of the community.
She was a member of several professional organizations which included an officer of the Lakeside PTA, president of the Fraternal Organization of the Eagles, and a member of the Virginia Clinton Kelley Women’s Club, to name a few. She had fond memories of Bill Clinton when he would come to court as a young lawyer. She had the privilege of attending his first inauguration and enjoyed traveling on her retirement.
She was a true friend to all and her phone at home was constantly ringing.
In her later years, Hazel studied the Bible with Robert and Cindy Haight and attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She came to love them dearly.
Hazel’s daughter and son appreciate the fine values taught them as children. She was a stay-at-home mom in their formative years. She taught them to be kind to all and her special brand of wisdom. She was an excellent cook, immaculate housekeeper, loved to dance, play cards with friends and tinker with plants which always seem to flourish.
Hazel left a mark on Hot Springs that has affected generations.
A memorial service honoring Hazel will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Road, Hot Springs, Ark.
Honorary pallbearers are James “Buster” Gilliam, Q. Byrum Hurst, John Muldoon Jr., Kenneth Newsome, Bruce Simpson, Richard Simpson, Stephen Simpson, Tracy Simpson, Keith Stiles, Kermit Stiles and John Homer Wright.
Past and present members of Hot Springs city government, Hot Springs Police Department and the Garland County Sheriff’s Department.
There will be a HMH Celebration (Honoring “Miss Hazel”) at 5 p.m. at The Hot Springs Event Center at 116 Albert Pike. Hazel Gossett loved a good party!
If she touched your heart in some way through the years, you are invited and will be warmly welcomed in true “Miss Hazel” fashion.
Guests may register at http://www.caruth-hale.com.