Hazel Buckner

Hazel Roberts Buckner (also lovingly known as Hannah), age 93, of Enterprise, AL passed away in her sleep at home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on October 9, 2021. She was born on July 8, 1928, in Skipperville, AL. She attended school in Skipperville and graduated from Dale County High School. She received her Bachelor of Education degree from Troy State Teachers College (now Troy State University). In her first year of college, Hazel began a lifelong romance with a handsome WW II veteran named Melvin Floyd Buckner, who noticed the pretty server in the cafeteria. After Floyd transferred to Auburn University to complete his engineering degree, Hazel and Floyd surprised the family by eloping. The couple lived in Phenix City, AL for several years, then moved to Alabaster, AL where they began raising their four daughters. In 1970, Hazel and Floyd moved to Enterprise, AL where she began teaching fourth grade at College Street and later Holly Hill Elementary schools. Hazel was awarded the Elementary Teacher Hall of Fame Award for the State of Alabama for 1979-1980. Always a lifelong learner, Hazel earned her Master's Degree in Education from Samford University and did further graduate study at the University of Alabama. Hannah retired after 32 years and kept in touch with many former students. Hazel and Floyd were active members of Enterprise First United Methodist Church. They participated in mission trips to Puerto Rico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Bolivia and Mexico and supported many missionaries through the years. Hazel was a longtime member of the Sesame Study Club and enjoyed her Saturday restaurant lunches with her group of church friends. She loved to crochet and gave away many beautiful afghans and prayer shawls. Her cooking, especially her yeast and cinnamon rolls, were enjoyed by many. Hazel's daughters are very appreciative of the dancing and music lessons, band, cheerleading, summer camps, and vacations spent together. The Buckner household was always filled with laughter, fun and family gatherings. Previously departed loved ones include her dear husband Floyd of 63 years and her son Michael Joseph who died at birth. Others are her parents, Lee Dora and Floyd Roberts; her siblings, Maureen Hubbard, LaJoie Roberts, Jean Smith, Paula Willis and their spouses. Hazel is survived by her four daughters, Becky Johnson (Jim), Karyn Sessions (Mo), Lisa Harrison (Will), Kelly Baker (Jon), eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, her sister Carol Parker (Thomas), and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church of Enterprise, AL, from 3:00-4:00PM on Saturday, October 16, with a memorial service to follow in the sanctuary at 4 PM. Masks will be available due to COVID. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Skipperville Community Cemetery Fund, PO Box 214, Skipperville, AL, 36374 or to the Youth Program at the Enterprise First United Methodist Church, 217 Main Street, Enterprise, AL 36330. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Hazel Buckner, please visit our flower store.