Hazel Spain Butler's Obituary
Hazel Spain Butler, 79, of Germantown, TN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 23, 2025, after spending a joyful day at the beach with her family—a place she lovingly described as Heaven. Hazel was born on May 7, 1946, in Greenville, SC, to the late William Waddington Spain Sr. and Martha Miller Spain. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Edward “Mike” Butler, son, Richard Russell Somogyi Jr. and brother, William Waddington Spain Jr.
She is survived by her son, Christopher Somogyi (Ashley), daughter, Gwynne Hagan (Jim), stepdaughter, Michelle Butler Himes (Barry) and daughter-in-law, Keri Somogyi. She also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Catelyn Somogyi, Caroline Somogyi, Harrison Hagan, Garrett Hagan, Sydney Spain Somogyi, Clayton Somogyi, Gavin Knight, Grayson Knight and Maddux Brown.
Hazel graduated from the University of South Carolina. After college, she moved from South Carolina to Memphis, where her grandparents, Harrison M. Spain and Hazel Waddington Spain raised their four sons. Hazel was named after her grandmother—a tribute to the deep love and admiration her parents had for her. Her family’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Memphis, with landmarks such as Spainwood Avenue in East Memphis, the Spainwood subdivision, H.M. Spain & Co. Foresters, and DeWitt Spain Airport all bearing their name. These roots connected Hazel deeply to the city she would proudly call home for the rest of her life.
Hazel was a proud member of several lineage and heritage organizations that reflected her deep respect for history and her family's legacy. She belonged to the National Society Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sovereign Colonial Society Americans of Royal Descent.
At 70, Hazel retired from a long and successful career at The Alpha Corporation (AOC) as Director of Human Resources. In retirement, Hazel embraced what she loved most—spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading, staying active, and offering unwavering support to those around her. She was a devoted and proud mother and Mimi who loved her family deeply. With a strong competitive spirit, Hazel especially cherished cheering on her children and grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. She was their biggest fan—always present, always encouraging, and always the first to send a heartfelt message after every game.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. A private graveside burial will follow the ceremony.
Hazel’s warmth, strength, and unconditional love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her. She loves Jesus and is now at home with Him in Heaven, reunited with her cherished momma and daddy, devoted husband, and dearly missed eldest son.
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