Hazel Lovin Rhyne

Hazel Lovin Rhyne, born June 1, 1933, entered into her heavenly home on Saturday, October 12, 2019 after a brief stay at Pinehurst Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was the only daughter and youngest sibling of the late William Moses Lovin and Sarah Florence McLean of the Fire Tower Road Community in Ellerbe. Also preceding her in death were her siblings, William Leonard Lovin, Vernon McLean Lovin and Ralph Dockery Lovin.

Hazel was a beautiful, classy, and loyal lady who devoted her entire life to God, her family and friends. Every person she met, loved her at first sight.

She was a devoted wife of 47 years to the love of her life, Norman Theodore Rhyne, who passed in February 2000 and loving and devoted mother to William Charles Rhyne, who preceded her in death, Judy Rhyne Cloninger of Ellerbe, Linda Rhyne Gunsallus (Steve) of Foxfire Village, John Mark Rhyne (Kim) of Frisco, NC and daughter-in-law, Jannie Rhyne of Ellerbe.

She was blessed with nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren, who lovingly called her Grandma and Mema. Daniel Rhyne (Nikki) of New Bern, Matthew Rhyne (Jennifer) of Ellerbe, Stephen Rhyne (Amanda) of Boone, Justin Cloninger (Jeanna) of Ellerbe, Bruce Cloninger of Ellerbe, Natalie Rhyne of Ellerbe and Heath Rhyne of Ellerbe, Steven Gunsallus (Jaime) of Calabash, NC, and David Gunsallus (Jamie) of Shallotte, NC.

She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, whom she influenced and was loved by dearly. In the community, many knew her as “Aunt Hazel”.

Hazel, whose grandparents donated the land for the church’s beginning, was a lifetime member of McLean Presbyterian Church. She was the first female elder of the church and before her declining health was an active member and treasurer of the Women of the Church.

Serving God was always her mission in life and was evidenced by her devotion. In her later years, she would meet friends at the gym, attend various Bible studies, cared for her last sibling and friend, Ralph Lovin, and always included her lifelong friend, Katie White, who passed a few months earlier and Joann Terry.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Thursday, October 17, 2019 at McLean Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jamie Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will see friends from 12:30 – 1:45 pm Thursday at the church and at other times at the home.

Hazel, Mama, Grandma, Mema will remain a legacy in the Fire Tower Road community and McLean Presbyterian Church of Ellerbe.

Memorials may be made to McLean Presbyterian Church, 735 Fire Tower Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338.