Hazel Mae Mayes, 88, of Hunnewell, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Monroe Manor in Paris, Missouri. She was born on October 11, 1936, to John Lee Watson and Florence Marie Gosney.
 On October 17, 1952, Hazel married the love of her life, Jim Mayes. They shared many wonderful years together before his passing on March 4, 1985. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Hazel dedi­cated her life to caring for others. She was a nurse’s aide at Salt River Nursing Home and a faithful member of Prairie View Baptist Church. She found joy in nature and wildlife, but above all, her greatest love was for her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the center of her world.
 She is survived by her two sons, Tom and Sam Mayes, both of Hunnewell, Missouri; one brother, David Watson of Paris, Missouri; and two sisters, Maxine Baldwin of Olathe, Kansas, and Doris Ken­nison of Monroe City, Missouri. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Alicia Black (Hank), Heather Wisdom (Brian), Robbie Johnson (Amber), Jeff Johnson (Amanda), and Erin Johnson, along with numerous great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Hazel is also survived by many nieces and nephews who cherished her dearly.
 She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Mayes; her daughter, Emma Marie “Sis” Mayes; her grandson, James Clayton Mayes; and her daughter-in-law, Catherine Marie Mayes.
 Serving as pallbearers will be Carl Bastian, Harold Hooper, Steve Hawker, Billy House, Larry Wells, and Sonny Young. Hazel’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers in her memory.
 Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Garner Funeral Chapel in Monroe City, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM, with interment at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Hunnewell, Missouri.
 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors of Shelby County, honoring Hazel’s spirit of kindness and gen­erosity.
 Hazel’s love, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family and community will be deeply missed but never forgotten