Hazel Smith, Beloved Community Member, Dies at 82

Smith was known for her generous hospitality and passion for cooking for family and friends.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Hazel Smith, a longtime resident of Valley Forge, Tennessee, passed away on January 11th at the age of 82. Smith was remembered for her love of hosting gatherings and cooking delicious meals for her family, church community, and friends. She worked for many years at Pharmaseal/Baxter and Exide Batteries before retiring. Smith was a lifelong member of Valley Forge Christian Church, where she enjoyed helping with various activities and hosting Sunday school class dinners.

Why it matters

Hazel Smith's passing marks the loss of a beloved community member who embodied the spirit of hospitality and generosity. Her dedication to bringing people together through food and fellowship left a lasting impact on those around her, highlighting the importance of cultivating strong community ties.

The details

Smith was known for her exceptional cooking skills, able to prepare a wide variety of dishes that always tasted delicious. Whether it was a full-course meal or a simple sandwich spread, she took great joy in hosting gatherings and ensuring her guests were well-fed. In addition to her passion for cooking, Smith also enjoyed gardening, especially growing peonies, and taking annual beach trips with her family.

  • Hazel Smith passed away on January 11, 2026.
  • Smith retired from Pharmaseal/Baxter after 29 years and then worked at Exide Batteries until it closed in 2013.

The players

Hazel Smith

A longtime resident of Valley Forge, Tennessee, who was known for her generous hospitality and passion for cooking for family and friends.

Crystal Berry

Hazel Smith's daughter, who shared fond memories of her mother's love of hosting gatherings and cooking delicious meals.

Valley Forge Christian Church

The church where Hazel Smith was a lifelong member and enjoyed helping with various activities and hosting Sunday school class dinners.

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What they’re saying

“Mom enjoyed cooking and having friends at her table. She enjoyed hosting family dinners and could cook anything and make it taste good. Anything and everything was possible with my mother.”

— Crystal Berry, Hazel Smith's daughter (elizabethton.com)

“Whether it was a full-course meal or a sandwich-type meal, Mom could make anything taste good. She got a lot of joy from cooking and having friends in for dinner. She would have a table full of food and often would fix ham, turkey and the trimmings along with desserts. She was great at hospitality.”

— Crystal Berry, Hazel Smith's daughter (elizabethton.com)

The takeaway

Hazel Smith's life exemplified the power of community, hospitality, and the joy that can be found in bringing people together through the shared experience of food and fellowship. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the lasting impact one person can have by dedicating themselves to nurturing strong relationships and creating a welcoming environment for all.