McFall, MO: With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Hazel Maxine Snow Carter, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished matriarch. Hazel passed peacefully in her home with her daughter by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family.
Born on February 5, 1936, in Dearborn, Missouri, Hazel was the tenth of eleven children born to Alvia Melvin and Rose Elizabeth Burns Snow. She was raised on a 200-acre farm in Albany, Missouri, where she learned the value of hard work at an early age—gathering eggs, carrying firewood, milking cows, and taking on household responsibilities to help her family. Despite growing up without electricity or indoor plumbing, Hazel thrived, attending a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade with the same beloved teacher. She was the first of her siblings to continue her education beyond eighth grade, going on to graduate from Albany High School—a testament to her strong belief in the importance of an education. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and six brothers, Pike, Nick, Marty, Charlie, Tee and Art, and three sisters, Mary, Glennie, and Ethel. She is survived by one sister, Fern Parker, of Des Moines, Iowa.
After high school, Hazel pursued independence, moving to Des Moines, Iowa, where she worked as an insurance clerk by day and a waitress by night, sending money home to support her parents. She later returned to McFall, Missouri, to care for them while working at the Pattonsburg Cap Factory.
It was during this time that Hazel met the love of her life, Jack C. Carter, an Air Force serviceman. They married on January 22, 1957, while Jack was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base in Nebraska. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure. The Air Force took them to Selfridge AFB in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and Sheppard AFB in Texas before they eventually settled at Little Rock AFB in Jacksonville, Arkansas—a place they would call home for many years.
On April 1, 1962, they welcomed their only daughter, Pamela Sue Carter Collins, a child Hazel cherished above all else. She took immense pride in watching Pam grow, supporting her every step of the way—from high school to college and graduate school where she achieved her Master’s of Social Work. Hazel served as Pam’s Matron of Honor in her wedding to Michael Jay Collins in 1983.
Hazel found immeasurable joy in her role as “Gramma”, creating close relationships with her two beloved grandchildren, Michael Lloyd Collins and Hillary Rose Collins. She poured her heart into her family, creating warm, lasting memories for each generation that followed.
In December of 1993, Hazel faced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband, Jack, after 37 years of marriage. Though the grief was heavy, she carried on with strength, surrounding herself with family and new adventures. She formally retired in May 2001, discovering an interest in golf—a sport she loved, where she made many new friends and great memories.
In December 2005, Hazel moved to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to her family, ensuring that Jack’s remains were lovingly relocated to McFall, Missouri. She settled into her garden home, embracing her role as a “Granny Great” with joy and pride. She adored her great-grandchildren: Jackson Collins, Briella Collins, Colton Collins, Alexandra Garza, Lincoln Collins, Aidyn Garza, Walker Culwell, Lillian Culwell, Layla Culwell, Jaiden Culwell, and Killian Culwell.
Hazel was the heart and soul of her family—a woman of resilience, love, and unwavering support. Her strength, humor and kindness shaped generations, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her. Many of Pam’s friends considered “Momma Hazel” their second Mom.
She is now reunited with Jack, her parents, and her siblings who passed before her. While we mourn her absence, we also celebrate the remarkable life she led and the love she gave.
Hazel Maxine Snow Carter’s love and legacy live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She was the glue that held us together, the laughter in our memories, and the warmth in our hearts.
Rest peacefully, Granny Great. You will be missed beyond measure but never forgotten.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Roberson Funeral Home, 1107 S. 25th St. Bethany, MO 64424. A visitation will be from 12:00 – 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the McFall Cemetery in McFall, Missouri. Memorials and contributions are suggested to the McFall Cemetery or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Online condolences can be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.