Betty Hazel Wyatt Bracewell, affectionately known as Hazel to her friends and family, passed away peacefully at the age of 88, on January 6, 2026. Born on September 27, 1937, in Dublin, Georgia, Hazel was a beacon of love and creativity throughout her life.

She was the cherished daughter of the late James and Nobie Wyatt, and the loving wife of the late Jimmy Bracewell. She was also predeceased by her son, Jerry Wayne Bracewell, and siblings, Billy Wyatt (Janice), Lester Wyatt, and Lou Wyatt Smith (Jimmy), as well as her brother-in-law, Hugh Melton.

Hazel is survived by her sons, John R. Bracewell, Sr. (Kathy) of Blairsville, GA, and Michael Lee Bracewell of Hawkinsville, GA; her adoring grandchildren, Pamela Bannister (Joe) of Moultrie, GA, and John R. Bracewell, Jr. of Albany, GA; and her great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Bracewell of Moultrie, GA.

She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Joey and Angie Lamb, both of Swainsboro, GA; step-great-grandchildren, Tyler Bannister of Box Springs, GA and Brady Bannister of Port Wentworth, GA; her beloved sister, Becky Wyatt Warren (Kenny) of Rentz, GA; sisters-in-law, Betty Ann Bracewell Melton of Dublin and Jane Bracewell Holzemer (Don) in Altamont Springs, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

Hazel's interests were as varied as they were passionate. She was an avid gardener, and bird watcher, finding peace and solace in the beauty of the plants she grew and birds she fed. She also enjoyed sewing, fishing, and was a lover of nature. She was rarely seen without her camera, capturing the simple wonders of the world around her.

Music filled Hazel's life with joy, and she enjoyed singing in the church choir at Snow Hill Baptist Church in Cadwell, where she was a member. She was also a former member of the Red Hat Society, where she embraced the fellowship and fun the group provided.

Services will be held at 2:30 PM, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in the Mary Whitaker Townsend Memorial Chapel at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until the service hour at the funeral home. Pastor Jeffrey Wyatt and Pastor Richard Wyatt will officiate.

Mrs. Bracewell will be laid to rest privately at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Rentz, GA.