Hazel Jones

Hazel M. (McCleery) Jones, 94, formerly of Canfield and Lisbon, Ohio, passed away on February 16 at her residence in Crandall Medical Center of Copeland Oaks in Sebring after a brief illness. Hazel was a gracious, loving and kind wife and mother and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Hazel was born in Youngstown on September 14, 1920, the eldest daughter of Earl R. and Hazel McCleery, Sr. She graduated from Chaney High School and attended both Kent State and later, Youngstown State University, where she earned her degree and renewed her teaching credentials. Her first teaching position was in the Barberton school district and while raising her 3 children she taught 5th grade classes in the Canfield school system.
Hazel and Richard B. (Dick) Jones were married on November 5, 1943, while he was serving in the Army. Dick served as president of the L. Calvin Jones Insurance Company for many years. Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dick on December 4, 1993. As well as caring for her family and teaching in Canfield schools, Hazel also found time to sing in the choir with her husband and occasionally play the organ for worship services at the Canfield United Methodist Church. She also organized groups of Canfield students to visit less advantaged students in the Youngstown School District to tutor them in various subjects, especially reading. Hazel also led a 4H group of girls who met in her home. Dick and Hazel planned for their retirement by building a new home on the top of a hill, which they named Pen Y Bryn, in Lisbon, where they enjoyed the changing seasons and shared the harvests of Dick's garden with many friends and family. During this time they were active members of the Lisbon United Methodist Church. They were able to travel extensively through the British Isles and Europe, visiting areas where Dick had served with the 291st Infantry, 75th Division, as a supply sergeant during the Second World War. They also made several trips to Japan to visit their daughter, Carol and her family. Dick and Hazel later moved to West Chicago, Illinois, where they could be closer to their daughter, Gwen and son, Doug and their families. In Illinois, they continued to participate in the life of the St. Charles United Methodist Church. Upon returning to Ohio, Hazel continued to share her love of music by singing in the choir of the Salem United Methodist Church and leading the Music Appreciation Club at Copeland Oaks. She enjoyed her 20 years of residency at Copeland Oaks and her family greatly appreciates the care she was given by the many staff members who came in contact with her.
Hazel is survived by her children Carol Imaizumi (Nobu) of Japan, Gwen Merker (Don) of Tennessee and Douglas (Jonas) Jones (Lupe) of California. Hazel's grandchildren, Ryan (Yu) Imaizumi resides in Japan, Becky Imaizumi in New York and Maggie Jones in California. Ryan has also graced Hazel with two great-grandchildren, Ikkey Calvin and Aoi Olivia. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Robert W. Jones and his wife Ritchie of Youngstown. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents as well as her younger sister, Peg (Geneva) Sullivan and her husband, Gene of Canfield and her younger brother, Jake (E.R.) McCleery, Jr. and his wife, Jeannette (Schafer) of Salem.

Hazel was able to enjoy many memorable times with her many nieces and nephews as well as with step-grandchildren Kelly, Brian, Jason, Jennifer, Kate and Melissa. Her family would especially like to thank her niece, Jody Sullivan Guthrie for her unselfish and loving care of her Aunt during Hazel's many years in Sebring.
At Hazel's request, a memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Copeland Oaks at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Oaks Foundation (Copeland Oaks) 800 South 15th Street, Sebring, OH 44672 or the First United Methodist Church of Salem 244 South Broadway Ave. Salem, OH 44460. Friends and family may sign the guest register online at www.brownfhonline.com. Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home, Salem, OH (330) 337-6363.
 

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