Hazel Mae Thornton was born July 6, 1938 to James and Edith Berryhill in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She departed this life November 24, 2019 at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 19 days.
Hazel grew up in and around the Sapulpa area and was a graduate of Sapulpa High School. Though she traveled and lived various places, Bristow has been home for nearly fifty years. Hazel was a faithful member Countryside Church of Christ. She loved being outdoors whether it be relaxing while camping or tending to yard work. Family was first and foremost, any chance to come together was not wasted. She loved caring for her grand children anyway she could. There was always a soft spot in her heart for animals.
She is survived by two daughters, Kim Shepherd and husband John of Mounds and Cheryl Bilby of Sapulpa; one son, James Ernst and wife Kristi of Bristow; one sister, Edna Degraffenreid of Oakhurst; one brother, Millard Pickering of Sapulpa; thirteen grandchildren, Amy, Mathew, LeeAnn, Ginger, Jared, Alysa, Jimmy, Abby, Tera, Michelle, Brandon, Benjamin and Richie; as well as numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, David Ernst.