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Hazel Lichty Koonce

May 27, 1913 ~ October 31, 2015

Wendell - Hazel L. Koonce of 135 Gail Ridge Lane, Wendell, NC, age 102, passed away at Hillside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wake Forest, NC, on Saturday, October 31, 2015. Hazel was born on May 27, 1913, Burgaw, NC, to Harry Peters and Willie Futch Peters. Willie died when Hazel was 3 months old and Harry left just prior to her death. Hazel was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Nellie Futch Lichty and William Lichty, and she took the Lichty name. Hazel graduated from Burgaw High School. On October 14, 1934, she married Henry Sidney Koonce of Jacksonville, NC. They moved to Rocky Mount, NC, after the wedding and that remained her home until 1998 when she moved to Wendell, NC, to live with her son. Through the years Hazel has been a housewife, sales clerk, and secretary. She was also a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a member of Arlington Baptist Church where she was active in the WMU, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. In addition to her parents, Hazel was predeceased by her husband, Henry; a daughter, Myrna Koonce Peed; a grandson, Keith Koonce; a great-granddaughter, Kiana Koonce; a sister, Rebecca Bishop; and a special niece, Geraldine Davis. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gale and Faye Koonce of the home; three grandsons, Brian Koonce of Charlotte, NC; Barry Koonce and his wife, Tia, of Raleigh, NC; and Blake Koonce and his wife, Annie, of Oklahoma City, OK. She is also survived by two great-grandsons, Tyler Koonce, of Oklahoma City, OK; and Jordan Koonce, of Charlotte, NC; and a great-granddaughter, Hayley Shephard, of Oklahoma City, OK. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services with Rev. Ricky Donaldson and Rev. Bryan Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service and other times at the home of Gale and Faye Koonce, 135 Gail Ridge Lane, Wendell, NC 27591. The Koonce family would like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Tammy Morris who provided special in-home care for Hazel prior to her admission to the Hillside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and a special thank you to the staff of Hillside for the care provided over the last month. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 11/5, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 11/5, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801

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  1. Words cannot express what Mrs. Koonce meant to me. She had a tremendous impact on my life. Taught me many years in all phases of WMU, and other church programs. The true meaning of a Christian Lady. I will miss you. Georgia Conway

  2. What a joy to be around. She was part of the choir when I was at Arlington. She was always upbeat; always willing to learn the music and use her voice for His Glory. I’m thankful to have known her. May God grant you peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  3. Mrs. Koonce was a very giving person. She was always very kind to me and welcomed me into some of her family outings like a trip to the beach, and we received some watermelon pickles just about every year. She trusted me enough to let me become lifelong friends with her son, Gale. We rejoice today with the knowledge that she is in a place she has worked diligently for these many years.


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