Hazel Mcclure

Hazel McClure, of Raleigh, passed away on Friday.  She was 95. She was born on October 9, 1921 in Louisburg to the late James Herbert and Frances Caroline Boone.  It was there that she met her future husband, William Wilson McClure, Sr. (Bill), a high school agriculture teacher.    Married in 1941, they lived in Franklin and Johnston Counties before settling in Wake County in 1960. Known for her cooking, especially her biscuits, pound cakes and chocolate chess pies, Hazel managed the inside of the household while Bill handled all things outside.  When Bill joined with four other men to form what would eventually become Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner, Hazel was the quiet force that gave him strength to overcome obstacles along the way.  She gave up her living room for weekly choir practices until the church had its own building.  In return, Bill gave up space in his garden for Hazel’s row of flowers.  Her expertise with a sewing machine was rivaled by none, and perhaps her most ambitious project was making Pat’s wedding gown. As grandchildren came along, she became known as Nana, a name that sticks to this day.   Nana did laundry, made those famous biscuits, and baked cookies as the needs and wants of the grandchildren arose.  She always had a smile, a hug and a kiss for those who would reciprocate.  She was especially fond of the old adage “if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”  And, like her father, she always had a container of lemon drops not far from her chair. Nana was predeceased by her husband, Bill, and by her older sister, Athlea Boone Shelton, of Speed, NC.  She is survived by her younger sister, Mary Toney of Garner.  She is also survived by her three children and their spouses; Bill and Jean McClure of Raleigh, Jim and Pat McClure of Cedar Point and Fran and John Wooten of Raleigh.   Nana had seven grandchildren; John David Wooten IV, Chris Wooten (Samantha), Mike Wooten, Nate Wooten (Melissa), Kimberly McClure, Sara McClure Aharon (Scott) and Hannah McClure; one great-granddaughter, Sawyer Aharon; and four nephews.  Lastly, Nana always had a smile and a hug for her favorite niece and god-daughter, Anne Boone Shelton Urquhart of Speed, NC. The family wishes to thank those who gave special care to Nana; Amy, Lottie, Rita, and the nursing staffs at Rex Healthcare and at The Oaks at Mayview.  In lieu of flowers, Nana would have requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to your favorite charity. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, at Montlawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.