Hazel Janice (White) Bernat

Hazel Janice Bernat of Watkinsville, Georgia passed away on March 29, 2023.

Born on March 31, 1942, in Flowery Branch, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Milton White and Grace Williams White. She was married for 41 years to Len Bernat.

Hazel worked for many years in the field of quality control and eventually was certified as a USDA Federal Meat and Poultry Inspector. In 1981, she met and married Len and began the adventurous life of a Marine officer's wife. She and Len were stationed at various duty stations over the next 12 years until they retired back to Georgia where she enjoyed time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Ashford Memorial Methodist Church, the Christian Women's Association, and Maxeys Christian Church.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, George Brandon King, great grandson, Griffin Hodge and her brother, Ernest White. She is survived by her husband; three daughters: Sheila (Larry) Hodge, Ginny (Greg) King, and Dana (John) Allen; two granddaughters, Amanda Hodge and Blayne Wolfe; three wonderful great-grandchildren: Isaiah King, Ava Wrenn, and Ansley Wrenn; three sisters: Hilda (Charles) Anglin, Janet Healen, Virginia (Bobby) Gilstrap; one brother, Travis (Geraldine) White; and nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 4PM at Oconee Chapel, 2370 Hog Mountain Road, Watkinsville, GA with interment to follow at Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Oconee Chapel.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com