Hazel P. Benfield

Hazel P. Benfield, 82, of Oakdale Dr. in Morganton died peacefully Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Grace Hospital following an extended illness. She was born April 4, 1928 in Avery County and was a daughter of the late Rudy and Nellie Phillips. Hazel attended elementary and high school in Avery County, and then received her Registered Nursing degree from Grace Hospital School of Nursing. She went on to become a C.R.N.A. She attended Bridgewater Presbyterian Church, and was very active in the Burke Senior Center.She is survived by grandchildren, April Randall and husband, Marty, of Nebo, and Michael W. Taylor, and wife, Kimberly, of Glen Alpine; son-in-law, Charles Taylor of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Benfield; a daughter, Othenia Lee Taylor; two grandchildren; brothers, Rudd, Worth, Wade, and R. J. Phillips; and a sister, Wandaneil Pritchard.The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 24, 2010 from 10:00 until 11:00 am in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.