Hazel Willis Bentley

Hazel Willis Bentley, 90, of Newton, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Trinity Village.

Born on September 19, 1936, in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late James Thomas Willis and Lula Mae Willis. Hazel was a faithful member of Meadow Ridge Baptist Church in Maiden, where she truly enjoyed serving the Lord in many capacities throughout the years, continuing her service until just the last couple of years.

Hazel loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, and one of her latest passions was coloring, something she took great pride and joy in. Above all, she treasured the time spent with those she loved and the opportunity to serve her Lord.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Bentley; and her brothers, James Jr. (JT) Willis, Donald Willis, and Grady Willis.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Michael (Renita) LeFevers of Pennsylvania; her brother, Dale (Evelyn) Willis of Newton; and her sisters-in-law, Donna Willis, Susan Willis, and Nancy Willis, all of Newton.

She is also survived by her grandsons, Michael (Rita) LeFevers and Robert Eugene LeFevers; great-grandsons, Bradley LeFevers and Aaron LeFevers; nieces and nephews Vestal Bentley of Granite Falls, NC, Cory Willis of Florida, Dayne (Kim) Willis of Newton, Darren (Misty) Willis of Newton, Randy Willis, Lori Willis, Kim Willis, and Dana Willis; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, including Emma Grace Willis, Grant Fulbright, Reagan Willis, Brady Willis, and JT Willis

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, November 15 at 2pm at Meadow Ridge Baptist Church, 1173 Zeb Haynes Road, Maiden, NC, with Pastors Artie Roten and Steven Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 1-1:45pm with interment following the service in Meadow Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Meadow Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Bentley family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.