Hazel Wynne McCain McCarty, 91, passed away on February 11th at Brookdale Senior Living in Clinton, Mississippi. The daughter of Hazel Wynne and Hugh M. McCain, she was a native of Memphis, TN. She graduated from the University of Mississippi where she earned her B.A., studying art and education.

At Ole Miss, Hazel was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and was active in many campus activities while creating incredible works of art and enjoying the social scene. There, she met her husband, Phil, who served in the ministry before his tenure at Mississippi College. Hazel was a kindergarten, elementary and high school teacher in several of the cities where she and her family lived, and also played the role of pastor's wife for many years (although we are certain she longed for a glass of wine throughout this time).

Hazel was never lacking when it came to social involvement, serving as a member of the Clinton Town Club, Mississippi College Faculty Wives, ZTA Alumni Club, and several book clubs. She was also an active volunteer and board member for the Clinton Community Christian Corporation, and served as a volunteer greeter at the Clinton Visitor Center.

Hazel's real passion was art. She was an incredible artist and creative, and shared this love with so many in her life. Whether it was her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren or her elementary and high school students, everyone who had the chance to work with her walked away with a greater appreciation of imagination and a love for art and making. Hazel was known for her unique approach to teaching art, having students create kites and album covers, and introducing them to mediums that they had never worked in before. She was affectionately known as Gran to her grandchildren, who loved visiting, gathering around the little red table, and diving into finger paints, watercolors, Play-Doh, and Easter egg dye.

One of the most special places to Hazel was Coldwater, Mississippi, where she grew up with her cousins and her "Mawmaw" and paid many visits over her life. She was a fierce family historian, and created archives, photo books, and memorabilia collections to honor her family roots.

Hazel was a lover of family bingo and Scrabble, enjoyed cutting a rug with her husband, and was considered the best pancake-making grandmother around according to her grandchildren.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Philips R. McCarty, Sr. and her parents and is survived by her daughters Angel Stodard (Mike) and Kate Hilliard, and son Philips McCarty, Jr.; grandchildren Christopher Stodard (Megan), Megan Rennie (James), Chase Hilliard (Morgan), and Keegan and Dylan McCarty; great-grandchildren Wynne and Charlie Hilliard and Hudson and Wells Rennie; and several cousins who she loved and cherished as sisters and friends. A private celebration of her life will be held in her beloved Coldwater.

Memorials may be made to the Clinton Community Christian Corporation or Smile Train.