Hazel Drawdy Smith passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026, at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Born on July 19, 1937, in Lancaster, South Carolina, Hazel was the youngest child of hardworking parents who followed the cotton mill job opportunities throughout the South. When she was still in elementary school, the family moved to Fort Mill, South Carolina, where she was raised as a true "Millbilly" and proudly called Fort Mill home for the rest of her life.

Growing up with very modest means, Hazel left school at an early age to help support her family. However, through determination, hard work, and years of on-the-job training and experience, she gained an education that rivaled any college degree. Understanding the value of education, Hazel made certain that both of her sons earned college degrees.

Hazel began her working career at the Fort Mill Five & Dime Store. She later worked at Rogers Drug Store, where she managed the lunch counter and soda fountain, before moving across Main Street to Stroup's Department Store, where she sold clothing and accessories.

In 1972, Hazel and her family founded what would become Smith's Paint and Body Shop in Fort Mill. Hazel wore many hats over the years. She sanded and taped cars, handled the bookkeeping, paid the bills, answered the phones, and helped keep the business running smoothly for nearly five decades. More importantly, she became a second mother to many employees and built lasting friendships with customers and vendors alike. Even long after their business was completed, many continued to stop by just to visit "Momma."

Hazel was known throughout the family for her exceptional cooking. At family reunions, cousins often had just one question: "Where is Aunt Hazel's food?" Her talents extended far beyond the kitchen. She loved ceramics, enjoyed painting and sketching, and embraced all types of arts and crafts.

She was an excellent bowler and, in her younger years, a talented softball player. Hazel was also an incredibly gifted seamstress who made custom dresses, sport coats, shirts, and countless other items for family and friends. If something could be sewn, painted, crafted, or repaired, Hazel likely knew how to do it.

A devoted animal lover, Hazel had a special place in her heart for cats and dogs and even shared her home at one time with a pet goat named Billy.

As a mother, she rarely missed her sons' sporting events, faithfully supporting them through high school and college. The one exception was their race cars, which she never considered a safe hobby. She loved spending quiet time reading, listening to audiobooks, and watching classic John Wayne movies.

On June 4, 1955, Hazel married the love of her life, Zack Smith of Monroe, North Carolina. Together they built a home and raised two sons, creating a family centered on love, loyalty, and putting family above all else.

Their time together was cut short when Zack passed away in 1989 at the age of 60, leaving Hazel a widow at just 51 years old. She never remarried, often saying, "They only made one Zack."

Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Zack Smith; her parents, Charles "Red" Drawdy and Gertrude Drawdy Hunter; her stepfather, Rubin Hunter; her brother, Leroy "Junior" Drawdy of Rock Hill; and her sister, Elsie Drawdy Melton Funderburk of Rock Hill.

Hazel is survived by her sons, Eddie Smith (Heidi) and Randy Smith (Julie), both of Fort Mill; her half-brother, Edward Drawdy of Alexandria, VA; her sister-in-law, Vivian Price of Huntersville, North Carolina; her daughter of the heart, Sandy Barrett of Columbia, South Carolina; and her special friend and caregiver, Jill Mendenhall of Fort Mill. In addition, she leaves behind many cherished friends, nieces, nephews, and extended family members whose lives were enriched by her love, friendship, and generosity.

Hazel's life was defined by hard work, resilience, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to family. Whether she was preparing a meal, sewing a garment, helping in the family business, cheering on her boys from the stands, caring for a beloved pet, or simply lending a helping hand to a friend, she gave her whole heart to everything she did.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and unconditional love. The family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched will forever carry her memory forward. While she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the stories she created, and the love she shared will remain with us always.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that memorial donations be made to either Carolinas Cornerstone Church of Fort Mill or the Humane Society of York County.