Hazel Baker Meade Thompson, 91, of Florence, Alabama, died November, 10, 2026.  She was born on October 8, 1935 to Rose Lovett and Jacob Benjamin Baker.

Hazel was attending Florence State Teachers College when she met the first love of her life, Joseph McLester Meade. They had a whirlwind romance that led to their wedding at First Presbyterian Church Florence in 1957.  They made a beautiful life on Shoals Creek with their 3 children. Hazel, as well as all of Florence, was devastated by Joe’s sudden death in 1971 when she was just 35 years old.

But Hazel was tough and persevered even though her heart was broken.

In 1975, Aubrey Miree suggested that she go on a date with his Minister from Westminster Presbyterian Church.  After initially saying that she couldn’t possibly go out with a Minister, she did. Leading her to the second love of her life, James Knox Thompson. They were married for 43 years until Jim’s death in 2019.

Hazel loved her family in a large way…..especially raising her grandchildren.  We wish we had a count of the number of meals she has served at the house, but also The Boathouse. It was her favorite way of demonstrating her love for our family.

Hazel is survived by her children, Joseph McLester Meade, Jr, New Orleans, LA, Thomas Reeder Meade (Cynthia Gibson Meade) and Jane Meade Race (Kevin Patrick Race), all of Atlanta, GA.  Her grandchildren, Bess Gibson Meade, Portland, OR, Grace Reeder Meade (Jerry Christopher Vaughan, Jr), Nashville, TN, Thomas Reeder Meade, Jr, Atlanta, GA, Josephine Sullivan Meade, Atlanta, GA, Thompson Carlton Race, St. Petersburg, FL, Carson Hamilton Race, Atlanta, GA and Sadie Meade Race, Atlanta, GA. And also her two Great-Grandchildren, Rose Meade Gooday & Reeder Christopher Vaughan.

The family would like to thank the special people that enabled Hazel to stay in her beloved home on Shoals Creek:  Eldercare (Dee Mussleman, Ana Miller & Sheila Keeton especially!), Susan & Don Lambert, Chad Oakley, Nancy & Dave Marbury, Teri Copeland & April Simpson. Thanks for being our Angels!

Hazel’s ashes will be interred at First Presbyterian Church of Florence courtyard next to Jim.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Florence, PFLAG Shoals Chapter, or the Human Rights Campaign.