Hazel Grace McKenzie Sossamon

Hazel Grace McKenzie Sossamon, 94, of Bella Vista, left the pain of this earth and went to live with the Father and the Son on Jan. 13, 2012 in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Aug. 19, 1917 in Webb City, Ark. to James Monroe and Myrtle Mellissa Pippin McKenzie. Hazel was a lifelong resident of Fort Smith, a retired employee of Rheem Manufacturing and she was of the Baptist faith. Hazel was a loving mother, grandmother and aunt. She is survived by three sons, Bhurle and wife Pat Sossamon of Webb City, Mo., Bruce and wife Barbara Sossamon of Conway, and Dennis and wife Sally Sossamon of Hiwassee; 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Gwendyl R. Perron; her sister, Velta Shelton; and three brothers, Horace, Howard, and Billy Gene McKenzie. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, 2012 in Cemetery Ridge Cemetery near Ozark under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. She may be viewed at Edwards Funeral Home on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village, 900 NE Verdant, Bentonville, Ark. 72712. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.