Hazel Benfield Kenney

Hazel Bailey Benfield Kenney, 91, of Granite Falls, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy.

Hazel was born on March 5, 1934 in Caldwell County to the late Walter S. Bailey and Mae Evans Bailey. Known for her generous spirit, Hazel delighted in cooking for family and friends, accepting everyone with open arms. She brought laughter and fun to every gathering. Hazel dedicated her early life to raising her five children, then transitioned to a career that included many years in data entry at Hickory Chair Company, and she finally completed her professional life at M and K Sand and Gravel as owner and bookkeeper. A faithful member of First Baptist Church in Granite Falls, she valued her community and faith. Hazel’s warmth and zest for life will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husbands, Wilburn L. Benfield and Michael Kenney; her daughter, Alisa Butler; her son, Keith Benfield; and her brother, Harold Bailey.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Janet Benfield Gibson (Marty) of Granite Falls, Renee Benfield Morrison (James) of Granite Falls and Regina Benfield Sherrill (Mark) of Granite Falls; her grandchildren, Evan Gibson, Casey Morrison, Darby Morrison Simmons, Lindsey Sherrill, Leah Sherrill and Eric Benfield; and three great-grandchildren, Mahalia Miller, Hadley Benfield and Cody Benfield.

The family will receive friends Sunday November 16, 2025 from 1:30-2:00 P.M. at Mackie Funeral Service in Granite Falls.

A Service to Celebrate the life of Hazel Benfield Kenney will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday November 16, 2025 in the Chapel of Mackie Funeral Service in Granite Falls, with Rev. Jay Worsley officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba County Meals on Wheels, 507 Boundary St. SW Newton, NC 28658 or First Baptist Church, 12 Crestview Street Granite Falls, NC 28630.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Granite Falls is serving the family.