Hazel Jane Henderson

Hazel Jane Coggins Henderson, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 20, 2021 in Sylva.

Born Sept. 9, 1928, in Jackson County, she was the daughter of Eulas & Iva Bryson Coggins, both deceased. She was married to the late Aubrey Henderson.
Deceased siblings include brothers, Eugene & Furman Coggins, Bedford Bryson and sisters, Jessie & Barbara Hooper.

Hazel graduated from Glenville High School. Afterward, she and Aubrey were Christmas tree farmers and owned Snowbird Tree Farms. Their beautiful Christmas trees were shipped throughout the Southeast region. They supported their community and many charities.

Hazel was very dedicated to the health and welfare of all animals, including dogs, cats, horses and wild animals, just to name a few. She often took in strays and nursed them back to health.

Hazel and Aubrey loved to travel and took many trips out West where they became acquainted with several Native American children’s homes, which they supported throughout their lives. Aubrey & Hazel helped many folks when they were in need.
She is survived by one sister, Jeanette Childers of Clover, S.C., and one brother Norman Coggins of Fayetteville, N.C., as well as many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank ALL the wonderful caregivers that took excellent care of Hazel. Their love and support is greatly appreciated.

Services will be held at Appalachian Funeral Home on Wednesday, Dec. 22. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., with the service to begin at noon. The service will be officiated by Rev. Jim Ed Powell. Burial will follow at Pine Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Mike Coggins, Allan Coggins, Buck Stewart, Bruce Bryson, Doug Childers and Ricky Henderson Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Coggins & Kenny Childers.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ARF, P.O. Box 298 Sylva, N.C. 28779 or to Catman 2 Shelter, 637 Bo Cove Rd. Cullowhee, NC 28723 or the Pine Creek Cemetery Fund, 4338 Pine Creek Rd., Cullowhee, N.C. 28723. If you choose to send flowers, please contact Ray’s Florist at 828-586-5830.