Hazel-Thomas King Obituary

KING, Hazel-Thomas Hazel-Thomas Baker King died on April 8, 2009 in Charlottesville, VA, after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. The daughter of the late Drs. Hazel and Lebby King, she was born Aug. 5, 1937, in Charleston, SC and spent her childhood in Lake City, SC. She was a proud alumna of Agnes Scott College. Ms. King was an accomplished organist and pianist whose devotion to sacred and secular music enriched the Charleston community for nearly five decades. As a young organist she received a fellowship to study in Belgium with the renowned Flemish composer, Flor Peeters. For 31 years she was Organist-Choirmaster at St. John's Lutheran Church in Charleston, where her outstanding musicianship earned her widespread respect and appreciation. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists, whose Charleston Chapter produced a recording of her performance on the restored 1845 Erben organ at the French (Huguenot) Church. She performed recitals on some of the area's finest organs and was featured in recitals at Piccolo Spoleto. Mrs. King was not only a gifted organist but also a talented choral director, studying at the Paul Christiansen Choral Institute in Chautauqua, NY, at Montreat Music Conferences, and at the Royal School of Church Music in England. She served as Director of Choral Activities at Ashley Hall School. She was accompanist for the Charleston Symphony Singers' Guild and was a member of the Charleston Baroque Singers. Her love of choral, chamber and orchestral music was a lifelong pursuit, and she shared her passion and joy with her many friends and colleagues. Ms. King is survived by her devoted husband, John Clark, of Charlottesville; her children, Caroline Cooper Wilhelm, of Charlottesville, and Christopher Cooper, of Washington, DC; her sister, Caroline King, of Santa Fe, NM, and her three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held September 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Apr. 12 to Apr. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Hazel-Thomas King

8 Entries

Lucille Williams

May 3, 2009

Caroline: My,but your mother was so accomplished. It's no wonder that you sing choral music, too. My mother-in-law and mother had Parkinson's. It's a tough one. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. (Lucille from aerobics.)

Paul Gee

April 21, 2009

So very sorry to hear of the loss of Hazel. I was lucky to be around her in the 80s and early 90s with Grace Choir and the Baroque Singers. As an accompanist, she took great care to always enhance the singer. We had quite a crew in Grace Choir in the late 80s and we shared so many laughs in Salzburg, Munich and Eichstätt when she joined us on tour. She played so beautifully at each performance ! A great musician and mentor to many who will certainly be missed.

Gretchen and Ed Kaylor

April 16, 2009

Dear John,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Hazel. I am writing this not only to express our condolences, since Ed knew you at MUSC, but also for my parents, John and Gen Schuler, who lived in your downstairs apartment on Tradd Street the winter of 1987. They SO enjoyed their time there with you and Hazel, and though they are both gone, I know they would want to be remembered to you in this time of your loss.

Dale Hegler

April 13, 2009

I wanted to thank Drayton for the email I saw he sent today. However I am having computer problems and it was lost before I was able to open it. Please resend if possible. Thanks, Dale Hegler

Char Stricklin

April 13, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Hazel's death. We lived down the street when she and John lived on Tradd St. Hazel and I rode together to CSOC practice. And then we were together again in the Grace Episcopal Choir when she came there and traveled to England on the choir tour. Her death was noted in our service at Grace yesterday. All of us in the choir will remember her fondly.

Beady c. Moore

April 12, 2009

Happy memories with Hazel Thomas during our childhood years. Remember playing Mr. Potato head for the lst time at one of her birthday parties.
Beady Frances Collins Moore

Phyllis Rhodes Parker

April 12, 2009

Dear Caroline K,
I was so sorry to learn of your great loss. I understand how you must feel for I too lost my sister Peggy this week. I know from reading the obit that Hazel touched many lives. May you find comfort in knowing that she is with our Lord and free from pain and suffering. Our prayers are with you and all the family.

Dale Hegler

April 12, 2009

Dear Caroline W., Caroline K., and Chris,
I was so sad to learn of Hazel's death in today's News and Courier. I was a babysitter for young Caroline in Kershaw in the 60s. Hazel and Drayton took an interest in me and influenced me to enter Agnes Scott. My life is richer for having known them. Theron and I share your sorrow and we will be thinking of all of you.

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