Hazel Mays Napier, age 83, of Manchester, Kentucky passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025. She leaves behind one daughter, Glenna Jones of Manchester, KY; two siblings, Docia Hurley of London, KY, Dora Lee Hacker & husband Shafter of Manchester, KY; seven grandchildren, Steven (Gus) Martin & wife Jennifer, Charles (Bruiser) Martin & wife Misty, Courtney Martin, Haylie Hays & husband Jacob, Brittany Cawood & husband Brooks, Kaitlyn Hatfield, Zack Jones; a special sister-in-law, Hazel Mays; her son-in-law, Mitchell Martin; plus a host of other family and friends to cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Napier; her parents, Dill & Sally Smith Mays; her daughter, Lisa Martin; and by five siblings, Ray Mays, Paul Mays, Cap Mays, Loretta Collins, Billy Mays. Hazel Napier was a devoted homemaker whose greatest joy was found in serving and caring for her family. Known affectionately as "Mam" or "Mammy," Hazel had a special calling to be a mother and grandmother. She took great pleasure in preparing meals, tending to her home, and making sure everyone who came through her door felt welcomed and loved. Her cooking was more than a gift - it was an expression of her heart, and no one ever left her table hungry. Hazel also found joy in the simple things of life. She loved gardening, canning, and planting flowers, with a special fondness for summertime and sunshine. Saturdays often found her shopping for flowers or picking out fresh vegetables at her favorite spot, Spring Valley Farm Market. Whether sitting outside watching the birds, working in her flowerbeds, or tending her garden, Hazel always seemed to know how to make things grow, though she never revealed her secret. She was a woman of deep faith who cherished going to church and drew great encouragement from watching Jimmy Swaggart and Tommy Bates on television. At home, Hazel loved relaxing with her favorite westerns, especially Gunsmoke starring Matt Dillon, often with her beloved cat, Buttons, curled up beside her and a warm blanket around her shoulders. Hazel was known for her generous heart, never meeting a stranger and always giving without hesitation. She had a gift for serving others with love, humor, and devotion, always looking for ways to make someone's day just a little brighter. Mammy's life was a testimony of love in action - quiet, steady, and abundant. Though her hands are now at rest, the seeds she planted in the hearts of those she loved will continue to grow. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her family rejoices knowing she is reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and that she is now in the presence of the Lord. A funeral service honoring Hazel Mays Napier will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home with Terry Reed officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday beginning at 12:30 p.m. until the service hour, also at the funeral home. A private burial will be held the Martin Family Cemetery in Manchester, Kentucky. The pallbearers will be Gus Martin, Bruiser Martin, Jacob Hays, Nolan Marcum, Zack Jones and Brooks Cawood. The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.
