Mary Charles (Hazelwood) Jarnagin

The earthly journey for Mary Charles [Hazelwood] Jarnagin, 79, ended on Saturday, May 11, 2024. On July 12, 1944, she entered the world as the youngest of four children to her parents, Mary Lexie [Smallman] Hazelwood and Charles Lewis Hazelwood, in Morristown, Tennessee. Mary Charles, from an early age, displayed a remarkable musical talent, particularly in piano playing and singing. She dedicated many years as the pianist at Central Baptist Church, following in the footsteps of her father, who led the church's music even before her birth. Her musical prowess was recognized when she was chosen for the prestigious Tennessee All-State Choir, a testament to her exceptional abilities. She graduated from Morristown High School in 1962. In 1960, at a Manley Elementary School fun night, she met Curtis Eugene [Gene] Jarnagin. From what she fondly stated as "love at first sight," the rest became history. The two were married on January 3, 1962, in the back of a feed store in Marshall, NC. Her husband passed away on June 1, 2021, marking the end of a more than 59-year marriage. If anyone knew Mary Charles, they would know of her love for serving others. She demonstrated this in many ways. She was a master seamstress and made clothes for her family and organizations her children were connected to, such as Manley Elementary School, West View Middle School, and Morristown West High School. She was a gardener by necessity, feeding her family from the bounty her garden produced; however, she was also an excellent food maker and fed others beyond her family. She was a master furniture refinisher, working alongside her husband to convert his creations into heirlooms, taking heirloom furniture from her own past and preserving it for the next generation. She was extraordinary as the carpenter's best right-hand man and could outwork anyone. The best example of her aptitude for service was the way she never had to be asked to do anything to help – she volunteered before a need was spoken. She volunteered with the Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, traveling to Belize many times to help more than 500 children receive textbooks, school supplies, backpacks, new school uniforms, tuition, and other school fees for each child.  She also loved to travel with her family and friends, going to places such as Hawaii, Canada, Amish Country in Pennsylvania and Ohio, New York City, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and especially the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where her family camped annually for more than 50 years. Mary Charles is survived by her three children—Becky Rehorn [Hal], Jennifer Baird [Dean], and Clark Jarnagin [Kendra]—six grandchildren—Robert Bell [Camryn], Rachael Anthony [Akeen], Curtis Baird, Adam Baird [Lizzi], Cayden Jarnagin, and Lance Jarnagin—and three great-grandchildren—Asher Anthony, Paisley Bell, and Adah Anthony. She is also survived by her older sister, Betty Jean [Hazelwood] Collins. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mike [her nephew], Cathy Collins, and special neighbors Lisa and Scott Greene. The family asks that instead of flowers, donations be given to either Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry – Contact Hearts of Christ by email: heartsofchristhoc@yahoo.com– phone: 423.312.4466 – or mail: P.O. Box 1738 Morristown, TN 37816 – or Morningside Baptist Church. The family invites friends and community members to join them in remembering Mary Charles on Sunday, May 19, at Morningside Baptist Church. The visitation will be held from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, followed by a celebration of her life. The service will conclude with her interment at Jarnagin Cemetery. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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