Hazel Lee Westbrook Sorrell was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and faithful friend to many. She passed from this life to the “home prepared for her in heaven” on June 23, 2012. Hazel was the devoted helpmate of Kenneth Sorrell for 58 years, whom she married on June 6, 1954. They raised three children, Daniel Lee Sorrell and wife Ruby of Garland, Texas, Lynette Wood and husband John Arlen of Richardson, Texas and Shawn Allen Sorrell of Kansas City, Missouri. She made a home for her Air Force husband in 19 different places during her 21 years as a housewife and mother.
Hazel attended Johnson County Community College where she received an Emergency Medical Technician certification and served as a volunteer in Bonner Springs, Kansas. She received a PHT (Putting Husband Through) degree from Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Hazel accompanied Kenneth to Nigeria, West Africa where she ran the clinic and taught Nigerian students at the two colleges where her husband served.
She was a talented artist and completed many pictures in several different mediums throughout her career changes. Hazel was a nurse, teacher, bus driver, worked at Hallmark Cards, and a photographic studio. She “wore many hats” and was many different things to many people.
Hazel was one of four sisters; Harriet Smith who preceded her in death by one week and husband Roy. She is survived by Joyce Elaine Moursund and husband Waddell of Plano, Texas and Carolyn Hewitt and husband Tony of McKinney, Texas who bid her farewell but rejoice with her in her hope of eternal happiness.
She had three grandchildren, Jesse Lee Sorrell and wife Amy of Lawton, Oklahoma, John Kenneth Wood of Richardson, Texas and Sara Beth Perry and husband Ken of Olathe, Kansas. Hazel had one great-grandchild, Caitlin Rose Sorrell and many nieces, nephews and loved ones who will miss her.
Hazel will be laid to rest at the Dallas Fort-Worth National Cemetery where a spot is reserved for her husband, Retired Master Sergeant Kenneth R. Sorrell.