Hazel Nell Bivens

Hazel Nell Bivens,, wife of the late Leo Bivens, departed this life on Thursday, May 10 at her home in Vinton. She was 91. Hazel was the fifth of six children of George and Flora Hall and was preceded in death by her brothers, Buford Hall and Johnny Hall and sisters, Iris Withers, Marie Fitzgerald and Helen Bocock. Hazel was educated in the Roanoke City school system. As a teenager, she selflessly cared for her invalid mother and after her death, left Roanoke to spend time with her brother and sister-in-law at Quantico Marine Base during the war years. She often spoke of the many happy memories she made as an exceptionally pretty young woman, sought after for dances and companionship by the many soldiers she met. One of those soldiers, Leo, became her husband and during their nearly seventy-year union they maintained a traditional WWII generation marriage; Leo earning the paycheck and Hazel making a home for her family. Hazel will be remembered as a follower of Jesus Christ, a loving wife and mother and a good friend to many. She leaves to mourn her passing a daughter, Sue Ellen King (William) of Jacksonville, FL.; two sons, Dale Randall Bivens of Rustburg and Paul Kerry (PK) Bivens (Karen) of Roanoke and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Hazel’s dear friend, Connie Agee; her very sweet neighbor, Karen Richardson and her niece, Rosemary Brooks, for their many acts of kindness. Without their support Hazel could not have lived in her home as was her dearest wish since Leo’s passing in 2016.
Hazel always said she wanted to live as long as someone needed her. Even though we will always need her, she is now reunited in heaven with our father, who needed her most and her Heavenly Father.
At Hazel’s request there will be no visitation. A graveside ceremony will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens on Monday, May 14 at 11 o’clock. Andy Shelor of Fleming Chapel, where Hazel held membership, will preside. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations in Hazel’s name to the Christian charity or animal welfare organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhomevinton.com

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