Hazel Louise Bryant Martin

Hazel Louise Bryant Martin, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2021. She was surrounded by family and loving caregivers after living a full and blessed life of nearly 93 years. She will always be remembered for her beauty, grace, strong will, quiet confidence, and quick-witted comebacks… always with a smile on her face and twinkle in her eye. 

Hazel was born on May 5, 1928 in Lithonia, Georgia to Ruby and Floy Bryant. She grew up in Atlanta and graduated from Girls’ High School where she studied her favorite subjects, French and Latin. Hazel continued living in Atlanta and worked in the accounting department at what is now known as AT&T. She soon met the love of her life, Edward (“Ed”) Gene Martin, Sr., and became “forever his KA Rose.” After Ed’s graduation from Georgia Tech, they married on September 24, 1951, and Ed was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordinance Corps. He was stationed on Okinawa when he served in the Korean War, and Hazel joined him working as an administrator on the same Army base. After serving their country, Hazel and Ed returned home and had their first child, Kathryn (“Kay”) Frances Martin, followed by two sons, Edward (“Chip”) Gene Martin, Jr. and Kenneth (“Tad”) Bryant Martin.

Hazel and Ed began raising their family in Jackson, Mississippi where Ed, like his father, began his career in the automotive dealership industry. Close to Ed’s side of the family in Jackson, Hazel was loved and cherished by her in-laws and their extended family. As a devoted and supportive mother, Hazel served as the president of the PTA and a national PTA delegate for her children’s elementary school, as well as a Brownie, Girl Scout and Cub Scout Troop leader. In addition to being a devoted mother and wife, she performed in local musicals and lent her bookkeeping expertise to a boutique that created custom handbags. Later in life, she became an accomplished seamstress creating beautiful smocked outfits with entre-deux lace for her grandchildren. 

In 1966, Ed and Hazel realized their dream of opening their own GMC dealership in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Hazel was a steady and unwavering support to Ed in building the business, so they were bound for success! As the business grew, they added a White Trucks line which later became a thriving Freightliner (Daimler Benz) franchise in addition to the original GMC and Pontiac lines. Never sitting still, they added Isuzu in 2016. From the beginning, Hazel served as Corporate Secretary and Director, always an active participant in the operations of the business. She was also a unifying force at the business. For years she visited the dealership most afternoons and organized the company Christmas parties and summer picnics.  As the dealership thrived, their sons, Chip and Tad, followed in Ed’s footsteps and joined the business. In later years, their daughter, Kay, and grandson, Russell Edward McNutt, would also join carrying Martin Automotive Group, Inc. to the third generation and its 50th Anniversary. Having her family join her and Ed in the business was a great source of joy.

As Martin Automotive Group grew and became abundantly successful, Hazel and Ed traveled the world to be honored and recognized alongside their many friends and fellow dealers to places such as Japan, Brazil and various destinations in Europe and the United States. While these travels were related to professional success, Hazel also accompanied Ed as he became an avid pilot, flying with him domestically for business and pleasure. As his devoted co-pilot, Hazel took a pinch hitter aviation course to learn how to land Ed’s twin-engine Beechcraft Baron… just in case! In addition, Hazel took flying lessons and ultimately soloed, flying an instruction plane by herself from takeoff to landing. Ed boasted about his wife accomplishing such a feat, despite her comment that she would never do something like that ever again! Hazel accompanied Ed on many fly-ins in his beloved antique airplanes, and a cherished experience was traveling to Woburn Abbey in England over the years where they attended de Havilland Tiger Moth (bi-wing antique airplane) fly-ins.

Hazel was committed to a variety of activities and social organizations as well as involved in her community. She accomplished ACBL Life Master status playing bridge with many cherished friends at the Lake Charles Duplicate Bridge Club and was an avid tennis player at the Lake Charles Racquet Club. She was joyfully crowned Queen Etienne XV of the Krewe of Barataria surrounded by family and friends donning the most fabulous red dress! As devoted supporters of McNeese State University, Hazel and Ed generously supported the McNeese Foundation academic scholarship fund for many years. She also loved supporting and attending the Lake Charles Symphony and the Lake Charles Civic Ballet. Hazel was also a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles and served on the Altar Guild.

While Hazel was certainly active in her community and in her home life, her top priority was her grandchildren who knew her as “Nana.” She was a constant presence and support all throughout their lives whether it was attending sporting events, dance recitals, graduations or weddings. She was always there and extremely proud of each of them always celebrating their accomplishments and life milestones. She loved hosting holidays and spending time with them on family vacations, making them meaningful and special for everyone. Trips to New York, New Orleans, England and California were that much more special experiencing them with Nana and Papa.

Most of all, Hazel loved her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her  brothers Thomas Bryant and Benny Bryant; and Ed, her adoring husband of 65 years. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn (“Kay”) Frances Martin McNutt (Gordon); her son Edward (“Chip”) Gene Martin, Jr. (Laurie); and her son Kenneth (“Tad”) Bryant Martin (Brigette). “Nana” leaves behind six treasured grandchildren: Russell Edward McNutt and Louise McNutt Brazitis (Matt); Audra Martin Viehland (Joel) and Caitlin Elizabeth Martin (Kevin Donley); Caroline Elizabeth Martin and Emily Elizabeth Martin; her great-grandson, Henry Martin Viehland; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Last but not least, she leaves behind her faithful companion, Pancho, her beloved tuxedo cat left to watch over her by Ed.

Hazel was lovingly cared for by her family, friends, Dr. Lynn Speight, Dr. Erin Furr-Stimming, Dr. James Grotta, Heart of Hospice and special caregivers: Anna Mae Guillory, René Rivers, Sheila Tucker and Katherine Sims. We are eternally grateful for their love, compassion and loyalty. There are many other people, too numerous to name, that the family would like to thank, but we would especially like to express our love and appreciation to the Martin Automotive Group family. Each and every member always held a special place in her heart.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd - “Tend My Lambs,” The McNeese Foundation - “Hazel Bryant Martin and Edward Gene Martin, Sr. Scholarship Fund,” or a charity of your choice.

Honorary pallbearers will be Elwyn Cavin, John Foret, Buz Martin, Gordon McNutt, Russell McNutt, John Raggio, Wayne Sims, Eston Singletary and Terry Taylor. 

The immediate family will have a private inurnment service 10:30 AM at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles on April 10^, 2021. Following the family service, at 11:00 AM, a public memorial service is to be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.