Hazel Bates McDonald

Our beautiful and loving mother, Hazel Bates McDonald, age 98, a resident of Pass Christian, went to her heavenly home surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

Hazel was a pastel artist. She studied with Zel McMath and Quida Tanner. Hazel was a member of both the Gulfport and Pass Christian Art Associations. Her greatest achievements and joy were her faith, 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Hazel was preceded in death by the love of her life, Elliott D. “Hooper” McDonald, Jr.; parents, J. Frank and Ivy Nell Bates; sister, Helen Giadrosich; brothers, James L. Bates, Jerry L. Bates, and Charles K. Bates; and son-in-law, Mike Pickich, Sr.

Survivors include, her children, Phyllis McDonald, Janice Pickich, Laura Pickich (Tom), Elliott D. McDonald III, Nancy Purchner, Candace Perniciaro (Randy), and James McDonald; brother, Robert W. Bates (Lou Don), and sister-in-law, Mary Bates.

The family prefers that memorials be made to the church or charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport where friends may visit one-hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens in Long Beach. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the McDonald family.