Hazel N.J. Gaston

Hazel Neva Jo Gaston, 92, of Hot Springs, Ark., formerly of Camden, Ark., passed away peacefully on May 11, 2022.

She was born Sept. 4, 1929, in Red Jacket, W.Va., and grew up in Pikeville, Ky. Jo is predeceased by her parents, R.C. and Ida Florence (Hunt) Griffith, her five siblings, and her late husband of 66 years, Franklin A. “Sonny” Gaston Jr.

Jo met Sonny while working and going to college in Illinois. He was in the service and stationed there at the time. In July 1954, they were married and moved to Camden, where they lived for many years while raising their daughter, Debbie.

A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Jo was also a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals and special treats for her family and friends. For many years leading up to her passing, she collected a library of recipes that she had made over her lifetime. She was also a dedicated sports fan, especially when it came to the Arkansas Razorbacks. She could call plays as well as any referee could, and made sure she never missed a game.

Jo and Sonny were active members of First United Methodist Church in Camden.

For over 25 years, Jo worked as the assistant to the comptroller at Ouachita County Medical Center. Despite her busy schedule, family and friends were her passion and delight. After moving to Hot Springs in 1999, they joined First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs, where they continued their dedication to the church.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Walker) Loyd; five grandchildren, Heather (Jarod) Williams, Caroline (Nick) Lingquist, Emily Loyd, Helen (Andrew) Dodson and Anna Catherine Nipper; seven great-grandchildren, Cece and Zan Williams, Andrew Walker Dodson, and Jackson Murray, Elliott Jr., Vivian Walker and Elizabeth Nipper.

The family gives their warmest and deepest gratitude to the West Shores Community of Senior Living and to Hospice Home Care for the love and care provided to Jo during her final years.

There will be a visitation at Gross Funeral Home from 3-5 p.m. today, May 13, 2022.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hot Springs.

Friends and family may register at http://www.GrossFuneralHome.com.