Hazeleen Pruett Smith

Hazeleen (Hazel) Pruett Smith passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026. Hazel was born to the late Amos and Pauline Pruett and grew up in Casar, NC, with her brothers Ron (married to Beth) and Chuck (deceased, married to Bobbie). She lost a sister, Jeanne, who died in infancy.

Hazel was both beautiful and intelligent, and achieved the honor of salutatorian for her graduating class at Burns High School. After graduation, she attended the Women’s College of UNC for one year, then married Howitt Smith (deceased) of Fallston, NC and started a family. Later in life when their two daughters were a little older, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg.

Hazel enjoyed learning new things throughout her life and pursued a wide variety of careers including real estate agent, secretary, small business owner, and real estate appraiser for both residential and commercial properties. She also volunteered her time – she held officer positions with school PTAs, supported the high school band as a member of the booster club, and humbly served as a lay leader for Soule Chapel United Methodist Church.

Hazel was very sociable and formed lasting friendships with work colleagues, fellow volunteers and church members, and neighbors. She enjoyed hosting parties, dinners and family gatherings throughout the year. Her favorite splurge was to travel, and she took opportunities to explore the Panama Canal, US National Parks, Hawaii, Alaska, St. Thomas, the northeastern US, England and China.

Hazel was a doting Grandma and Grammy who savored time with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Adriene (married to Mark) and Lisa, grandchildren, Alex (married to Kelsey), Kelly (married to Duncan) and Logan, and great-grandchildren, Emma, Parker and Patrick. We all deeply miss her loving presence but rejoice that she is now at peace in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held on December 21, 2026 at 11:00 am at Mt. Horeb Church, 1205 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hazel’s memory to the charity of your choice, to Mt. Horeb Church or to Zoar Baptist Church, P.O. Box 176, Casar, NC 28020.