Hazel C. Tankesley

Hazel Irene Cash Tankesley, 99, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of this community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Legacy at North Augusta in Staunton. 

Born on April 7, 1925, in the Marlbrook community of Rockbridge County to the late Richard Henley Cash and Carrie Bell Bartley Cash, Hazel lived a life marked by unwavering service, deep compassion, and love for her family and friends.

For thirty years, Hazel dedicated herself to the Staunton City Schools as a cafeteria manager, primarily at Westside and Northside Schools. Her commitment to seeing that her students got a good meal prepared with love was a testament to her caring nature. In addition to her professional endeavors, she was also an active, lifetime member of Christ United Methodist Church in Staunton, where she played a vital role in numerous committees, including the United Methodist Women.

Hazel's passions extended beyond her career and church activities. She adored traveling, especially on cruises and trips to the Great Smoky Mountains. As a constant caregiver to those in need, she was known for her true servant's heart, deriving immense joy from doting on her loving family - particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her various commitments, Hazel was a member of the Staunton-Augusta Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2216 Auxiliary and served as past president of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center's Council of Organizations, contributing her time and energy as a volunteer on numerous other committees.

She is survived by her two sons, John Richard Tankesley and Joseph Elmer Tankesley and his wife, Brenda; her daughter, Jeanne Tankesley Brown and her husband, Arnold; her grandchildren, Mark E. Glenn, Sr. and his wife, Laura, Holly J. Tankesley Fairchilds and her husband, Page B., Allison Hope Tankesley Bishop and her husband, J.R., and Brandon H. Tankesley and his wife, Brittany; her great-grandchildren, Mark E. Glenn, Jr., Alex E. Glenn and his wife, Taylor, Isaac R. Fairchilds, Gabriel O. Fairchilds, Jackson K. Bishop, Reagan Tankesley, and Olivia Tankesley; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also remembered fondly by her special friend, Ruth Swink.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Luther Edward Tankesley; her grandson, Jonathan Kane Tankesley; her daughter-in-law, Brenda Cobb Tankesley; her brothers, Jesse Richard, Herbert Odell, Robert Leon, and James Elwood Cash; and her sisters, Frances Belle Cash Fitzgerald, Louise Margaret Cash Fitzgerald, and Virginia Mae Cash Shull. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Christ United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 2, 2024, at that same location with the Reverend Madison Ailinger and Dr. Michael Fitzgerald officiating. 

Interment will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

Serving as pallbearers will be Grady Swink, Leon Humphries, Gabriel O. Fairchilds, Isaac R. Fairchilds, Jackson K. Bishop, and Ron Cash.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to Christ United Methodist Church (1512 Churchville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401) or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).