Hazel E. Brown

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going."

John 14:1-5

Hazel Elizabeth Laman Keesee Brown was born on November 1st, 1927 in Pontatoc, Texas to Willie Jackson Laman and Loudie Edith Brown Laman. She passed away on February 25, 2025 in Waco, TX. Hazel loved and served the Lord for 97 years.

Hazel and her family moved to Artesia, New Mexico when her Grandmother Laman told them to join her in "the land of milk and honey". Hazel had 10 brothers and sisters, and was the first girl after six boys. Hazel and her family resided in Artesia, New Mexico, where she met JT Keesee. The two married in Roswell, New Mexico on January 28, 1944. JT and Hazel had two children, Jerry Donald (1946) and Sharon Gayle (1950). They relocated to Comanche, Texas in 1954, where they raised their family. The family was active in a small country Church of Christ, and later Pearl Street Church of Christ. Following the passing of JT, Hazel later remarried to Tom Brown of Comanche, and she continued to worship and serve at Pearl Street. Hazel remained in Comanche until 2018 when she relocated to Waco, Texas to be close to her daughter, Sharon.

Hazel was a friend to all, and an incredible cook. Everyone was welcome at her table, and somehow she always managed to serve everyone's favorite thing, or two. No meal was complete without one of her famous desserts, Pecan Pie being the specialty that she shared with many there in the community. Later in her life, Hazel had the privilege to serve the students and staff of Comanche High School in the cafeteria. She made many friends and even more delicious meals to all who came through in her twenty years of service.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Willie Jackson and Loudie Laman. Husband JT Keesee, Husband Tom Brown, seven brothers Aubrey, Barney, Roy, Benham, Grover, Cecil, Dub, sister Gladys Laman, and her son, Jerry Keesee.

Hazel is survived by her Daughter Sharon Keesee, Daughter in Law Janet Billings Keesee, Grandchildren David Austin, Amy Keesee Beman (Brad), and Emily Keesee Wright (John), Great-Grandchildren Jacob Austin, Connor Austin, Elizabeth Beman, Abigail Beman, and Jackson Wright. Sisters Loma Ranne and Betty Pelts. Hazel is also remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who loved and cared for her.

Donations may be made to Cherokee Home for Children in glory and honor of Hazel Brown.

Cherokee Home for Children

13355 TX-16

Cherokee, TX 76832