Hazel Frances Milliken was born in Knight, Texas (now known as Ace) on November 28, 1925, to Hollie and Frances Bailey. She was called home to heaven to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on October 21, 2024, at the age of 98. She was the second of eight living children. The family moved to Soda when Hazel was two years old. She completed first through 10th grades at Camp Ruby. She attended Livingston High School for her junior and senior years. After graduating in 1943, Hazel attended the Houston College of Beauty Culture. She paid her way through school by being a nanny for three years to the Battlestein family of Houston.
Hazel married the love of her life, Charlie B. Milliken, in 1947. They then joined First Baptist Church of Livingston. They were married 44 years. Hazel was very active in many church activities. She taught Sunbeams, Junior High Sunday School and worked with the GAs. She was a member and officer of the Women’s Missionary Association for many years. During this time, they accomplished several projects which benefitted the church and community. She helped to organize FBC’s memory room. She participated in monthly church game nights and loved playing 42. A highlight of her life was being a founding member of the Naomi Sunday School class and teaching it for several years. Her “Girls” continued ministering to “Ms. Hazel” even when she could not attend church. They were a very important part of her life.
Hazel also gave of her time to the community. She was a beautician and owned two hair salons for a total of 38 years. She was a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees for 20 years and was awarded honors for distinguished service. She served both as chaplain and photographer. One of her presentations was about her late husband who served aboard the Navy destroyer USS Sproston during World War II. Hazel was a co-founder of Old Friends and New Friends. They met monthly for 21 years.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Hollie and Frances Bailey, her husband, Charlie B. Milliken, and siblings Pearl (Pat) O’Neill, Berniece Watson, Joyce Bailey, L.E. Bailey and Vol Bailey.
Those remaining to cherish her memories are her sister and brother-in-law, Maudine (Dean) and Jack Anderson, her brother and sister-in-law, Talmadge (Bucky) and Bobbie Bailey, son Billy Milliken, daughter and son-in-law Hollye and Bob Caywood, and grandchildren Jason Milliken, Jeremy and Preston Caywood, and Natalie Beauford. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great and great-great grandchildren. Having lived in the Polk County area for most of her life, she will also be remembered and loved by many close and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas with Bro. Kevan Wood and Bro. Brad Butler officiating. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery in Livingston, Texas. Vistiation will be held Friday, November 1, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
