Hazel Jones Medlock
December 9, 1914 ~ April 27, 2012
Born in:
Clarkston, Georgia
Resided in:
Avondale Estates, GA
Hazel Jones Medlock, a native of Clarkston, GA, died April 27, 2012. She was 97. She was the daughter of Henry Alpheus and Mary Edith Keheley Jones of Clarkston. A gifted gardener, Mrs. Medlock kept most of three acres on Northern Avenue green with wide varieties of roses, hostas, figs, quinces and variegated grasses. When asked where this or that plant came from, she'd often shrug and say, "Oh, that's a volunteer." She gladly shared cuttings and transplants with admirers of her greenery. She finished all eleven grades and graduated from Clarkston High School now the Clarkston Community Center in 1931. Hazel said she loved every job she held: a finishing worker at Atlanta's American Hat Company, the first secretary for Laurel Ridge Elementary School in DeKalb County, a regular poll worker for decades and receptionist in the Emory University Hospital Radiology Department. Her husband of 59 years, James Wade Medlock, Jr., of Virginia-Highland, whom she met on a blind date, died of cancer in 1994. Known affectionately as Memaw, Hazel was a family historian, a cook whose prizes were pecan pie, salmon croquettes and broccoli bread, and a teacher of gardening and common sense to her son, daughter-in law, her granddaughters, and such a cloud of friends and relations. She was a member of then-Clarkston Baptist Church and Druid Hills Baptist Church. Hazel was preceded in death by her sister Kathleen Jones Cope and brother Aubrey Maurice Jones, both of Clarkston. She is survived by her son, James Wade Medlock, III and wife Sherrill Terry of Avondale Estates; granddaughter Meghan Cobleigh Medlock and great-granddaughter Violet Adelaide Revelou Medlock both of Brooklyn, NY; granddaughter Alyce Caitlin Medlock Spencer and husband Matthew of Greensboro, NC; and scores of nieces and nephews, most of whom still live in the Atlanta area, and would likely amen her description of her days: "I lived a simple life." Visitation followed by her funeral will be held Saturday, May 5, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Stone Mountain Chapel of Wages and Sons, 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Burial will follow at Melwood Cemetery, Stone Mountain. In lieu of flowers, Hazel Medlock asked that donations be directed to the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Avenue, Clarkston, GA 30021 or via www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org, click "donate" and include Hazel Medlock's name in the "purpose" line. The family takes comfort in her oft-repeated declaration, "Time marches on."
Thinking of you – – George
Wade, I saw your mother’s obituary in the AJC. Sorry to hear about it. My 3-year old granddaughter is also named Hazel. Good name for good people!
Hi Wade and Sherrill & family:
I know it’s hard to give them up no matter what; just received word that my Mother was taken to the hospital in Oklahoma this morning with falling and left side weakness. I am preparing to go to Oklahoma; perhaps I will get a chance to see you before I leave. If not, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Cordially, Cary
Wade and family
I am sorry to hear about Hazels passing she was such a magnificent woman. She was always so proud of you and your family. I miss having long afternoon chats with Hazel on her front porch with her garden advice and Stories of her life. I feel I’m a better person for knowing her!
Rest in peace Hazel you will be greatly missed!Thank you so much for your friendship, I will treasure our time on this earth together!
XOX Patrick Gregware
Wade – Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the passing of your Mother. She was such a sweet lady with a sweet spirit.
Hazel was one of the kindest people God put on this earth. I am sorry she had to dwell with her disease for so long, but God had His plans also. My memories of her will all be pleasant.