The Shadow
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — Mrs. Hazel Virginia Andrews Burr serenely concluded her extraordinary and rewarding earthly journey on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, in North Richland Hills, Texas.
As she had wished, she was surrounded by peace and her loved ones. She exited this world as she had lived with grace and dignity. From her first day to her last, she was always a kind, compassionate and Christian lady with lots of charisma. She was heroically unselfish, had a zest for life and a quick wit. There was a purpose in everything she did.
Hazel was born at Hemitite, Virginia on September 22, 1919, the 4th of 6 children of Nova Virginia Sawyers and Ernest W. Andrews. She would fondly reminisce of the safe quiet community of Covington where she grew up and raised her children. She was given the gift of time and was with us for 102 glorious years, accumulating a lifetime of remarkable events.
Hazel was blessed to have met and eventually married Ethridge E. Burr on 12/30/1940. He was her one true love and life partner. It was a special bond that lasted almost 64 years. Together while maintaining Burr’s Studio, they lived life to the fullest. They traveled, enjoyed bridge with friends and attended many Virginia Tech football games. In addition, they enjoyed entertaining at their home on the river, riding their horses, snow skiing and loved collecting unique antiques. They spent countless hours tubing, kayaking, and fishing the Jackson River with family and friends. They were members of Granbery Memorial Methodist Church, Alleghany Historical Society, along with her being in Eastern Star.
Shortly after her 100th birthday, she became gravely ill and was not expected to live. Miraculously she recovered to give her family two more wonderful years but yet it is never enough when you love someone so deeply. To say this was a life well lived is an understatement. Our mother was many things to us, our teacher, friend, role model, our supporter, and our critic. She lived for her children, grandsons, and family. At any time she was only a phone call away. She supported us through our struggles and celebrated our successes. She and dad made life easier for us in every way. Never changing through the years, she still had that same perfect gentle caring love for us until her last breath.
We take comfort in the knowledge that mom is young again, pain-free, and is so happy to be reunited with dad who she so dearly missed for the last 17 years. Also predeceasing her are her 3 sisters: Ruth A. Stanley, Jenevee A. Dudding, Theda A. Lamb, two brothers: Ralph Andrews, Dr. Thurl Andrews and numerous nieces and nephews.
This is not a eulogy for that would confer a state of closure. Rather this is a promise that her light will never fade, that her legacy, along with dad’s, will be preserved within us her surviving family for whom her absence will be indescribable. Her beloved children: James “Ridgie” Burr (Eileen) of Pennsylvania and Florida and Susan Burr-Peters (Gary) of Texas. Her cherished grandsons: Ryan A. Peters (Sungei) and Andrew T. Peters (Cassidy) all of Texas. Her precious great-grandsons: Bowie Phoenix, River Haze, Kove Garison, Bazel Ethridge, and Cayson Jack. As a testament to the incredible bond that she had with her grandsons, they were creative in each naming a son after her. Rest in peace dear Nana!
A celebration of her remarkable life was held in North Richland Hills, Texas followed by a release of balloons that sailed high towards her in Heaven. Her private graveside service will be held on Friday, December 10 at Alleghany Memorial Park. She will be laid to rest next to Ethridge and surrounded by her family that went before her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring her by sending a donation to the Alleghany Historical Society, 149 S. Maple Ave., Covington, VA. 24426
