Hazel Brown

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her life, we announce the passing of Hazel Mae Clark Brown, a beloved mother, MawMaw, sister, aunt, and friend.
Hazel passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the age of 87 in her home in Seminole, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Hazel was born on May 17, 1939, in Silver Creek, Mississippi, to Heston and Myrtis Clark. Her family moved to Florida in the early 1950s, and she later married Kenneth Messimer and began raising her family in Niceville. She was a charter member of Parkway Baptist Church, where she lovingly taught children’s Sunday school for many years and shared her faith with patience and kindness. Hazel enjoyed crochet, cross-stitch, and gardening, and she had a wonderful green thumb—especially when caring for her many Christmas cacti. At the age of 55, she proudly obtained her GED, a reflection of her determination and strength. She worked for many years as a cook in the dietary department at a local nursing home and at Handy Dandy, where her steady work and caring spirit touched those around her. In 2004, she married Tom Brown, and they shared 14 cherished years of marriage until his death in 2018. She spent the rest of her life in the Seminole Subdivision, surrounded by memories, family, and the community she called home. The family extends heartfelt thanks to her loving caregiver and niece, Cindy Stanfill, whose devotion, compassion, and care will never be forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Heston and Myrtis Clark; her sister, Ann Carnley of Niceville, Florida; her brother, Wallace Clark of Silver Creek, Mississippi; and her husband, Tom Brown.
Hazel’s memory will be lovingly carried on by her brother, Earl Clark (Jane); her children, Ester Rose, Roy Messimer (Tammy), and Mary Stanfill (Michael); her grandchildren, Christina White (Chris), Michael McInnis (Morgan), J.R. Messimer (Mindy), Buddy Stanfill (Anna Rose), and Kenny Stanfill (Caitlin); and her great-grandchildren, Maddie Fulmer (Tim), Gabriel Warne, Shana Stanfill, Savannah Stanfill, Rylee McInnis, and Makenzie McInnis.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, Florida, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m., with her brother, Rev. Earl Clark, officiating. Burial will follow at Heritage Gardens.

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