Hazel Corinne Ballentine Pitts 89 of Newberry SC was received by her Lord Jesus Christ into her heavenly home on December 27 after a lengthy illness. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 PM Tuesday at Whitaker Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday at Smyrna Presbyterian Church by Rev. Dan Ratchford. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Born December 8 1926 in Chapin SC she was the daughter of the late Roy Lester and Eva Corinne Eleazer Ballentine. The 1944 valedictorian of Bush River High School she earned an associate business degree from Newberry College in 1946. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer during her youth. On February 11 1947 Hazel married Harold Lee Pitts after he served in the Navy during World War II and joined Smyrna Presbyterian Church where she served as organist for many years. Always a hard worker she rose early to help with the morning milking on the family farm worked as a secretary for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service then came home to help with the evening milking. When her daughter Jenny was born she became a full-time homemaker and bookkeeper for Bel-Ivy Farms which she helped her husband establish and manage. Hazel served in numerous church and agricultural organizations such as the Women in the Church and the Newberry County Farm Bureau Womens Committee. Throughout the years Hazel and Harold received many farm awards beginning with the Young Farm Family of the Year in 1961. She enjoyed beach trips with family and friends and the annual Farm Bureau conventions. Hazel loved attending Clemson football games and always had a ready quip if folks teased her when her Tigers lost. She was well-known for her quick wit and her warm smile. A loving wife mother grandmother and friend she faithfully served her Lord and others with much joy and laughter. Surviving are her husband of 68 years; daughter Jenny Strickland (Don) of Greer SC; grandsons Nathanael Strickland (Monica) of Lumberton TX and Thomas Strickland of Simpsonville SC; great granddaughters Daphne and Charlotte Strickland; many nieces and nephews; and care giver Lavone Coates. She was predeceased by her parents; her older brother James Clyde Ballentine who died in 1929 at age seven from a farm accident; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: William and Juanita Pitts Van and Sarah Walton Mac and Dot Buford and T. D. and Mary Pitts. Hazel resided at the Presbyterian Home in Clinton for the past eight years where she was much loved. As strokes and dementia gradually robbed her of health she clung to her Lord her love for her family and her joyful spirit. She often recited her favorite verse Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Her family thanks the many healthcare providers and friends who joined her in laughter and songs. Favorites included: Amazing Grace God Bless America and You Are My Sunshine. Finally her family thanks the Lord for the gift of Hazels life and for comforting them during this sorrow. She was indeed their sunshine! In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Smyrna Presbyterian Church 32 Smyrna Rd. Newberry SC 29108 or to The Clinton Presbyterian Community 801 Musgrove St. Clinton SC 29325. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home Newberry is assisting the family.