Hazel Earldean Duke Hobbs passed away on August 26, 2026 at the age of 87. She was born on May 2, 1939 in Northampton County, North Carolina, daughter of the late Willie James Duke and Minnie Futrell Duke. Hazel was preceded in death by her brothers, JR Duke, Wilson Duke, Raymound Duke, sisters, Mattie Smith, Audrey Bryant, Beulah Duke, along with her husband, William Noah Hobbs.

Hazel was the class valedictorian of Jackson High School, class of 1957, a graduate of Halifax Community College, class of 1960. Hazel was a proud owner and operator of Hobbs Logging Company, Hobbs Farm Realtor Agency, along with Hobbs Rental Company. She also worked for Jackson Tax Department, Rich & Rich Real Estate Agency, and spent 35 years working for Northampton Farm Services Agency. Her work was not merely a career; it was a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping others. Hazel was a member of Rehoboth Methodist Church. She loved playing music on the piano and guitar, traveling, and painting in her spare time. She is survived by her beloved sister, Ruby Paige Duke Lassiter Futrell and her cherished niece and nephew, Dawn Legeney and Jimmy Duke; her special friend, Rev. John Byrum; and other nieces, nephews, family, and many close friends.

In honor of Hazel’s life, a luncheon will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Rehoboth Methodist Church, 1123 Rehoboth Church Road, Jackson, NC, 27845. A graveside service will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Futrell Family Cemetery, located on NC Hwy 305, Jackson, NC. A visitation will be held at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services - Jackson Chapel on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, providing friends and family an opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate the remarkable woman she was.