Hazel Opal Hetherington

Hazel Opal Hetherington, 99, of Poteau, OK (formerly of Panama, OK passed away Tuesday, September 02, 2014 in Sallisaw, OK.  Hazel was born October 29, 1914 in LeFlore, OK to George Thomas & Artie (Turner) Walden.  She was a teacher for 43 years.  She was a graduate of LeFlore High School; received a B.S. from Southeastern State University and a MA from Northeastern State University.    She was a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa, National Honorary Teacher’s Sorority.  She was active in her professional organization.  She was twice president of LeFlore County Teachers; chosen LeFlore County Teacher of the Year in 1978; was a delegate to the NEA Delegate Assembly; served many times as a delegate to the OEA Delegate Assembly.  Hazel was a Sunday School teacher in the Primary and Junior Dept. of the First Baptist Church in Panama for many years.  She moved to Poteau in 1986 and was a faithful, active member of First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK, serving on various committees.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings and husband, Thomas Hetherington.

Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Jerry  & Georgia Hetherington of Sallisaw, OK; grandson, Jarret & wife Terri Hetherington; great grandchildren, Taren & Seth; many special nieces & nephews; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Friday, September 5, 2014 at First Baptist Church,  Poteau with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.  Pallbearers will be Max Rowley, Dexter Haskins, Sam Walden, Steve Walden, Gary Walden, Seth Morgan, & Ed Abernathy.