04/01/2026
With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the peaceful passing of Hazel Ann McDermott, age 73, on March 17, 2026, at her residence. Hazel was born on July 21, 1952, to the late Breamon Banks and Georgia Bell Adams Banks, and from the very beginning, her life reflected love, strength, and unwavering faith.
Hazel was a proud member of the graduating Class of 1971 of Riverside High School and went on to become a faithful and dependable employee throughout her career. She worked at Signal Knitting Mill, Buster Brown, Brock Candy Company, and Wireless Properties(Larry Wells), where she was well respected and built lasting relationships. During her time at Buster Brown, she also served as a union representative for many years, advocating for and supporting her fellow coworkers.
Guided by her faith, Hazel was a devoted member of River of Life Church, where she served as a greeter. She loved sharing her faith and was known for her caring heart, always taking time to support and encourage others while meeting each person with love, grace, and understanding. Hazel truly never met a stranger, and her warm, welcoming spirit touched all who knew her.
She found joy in life’s simple moments, especially working in her yard, a place where she could find peace and quiet. She also treasured her friendships and was a devoted member of the “Golden Girls,” a close-knit group of friends from North Chattanooga who remained connected for over 40 years. This group includes Freda Moore-Smith, Clara Smith, Dee Dee Henderson (Berry), Joyce Thirkill, and Louise Partridge.
Affectionately known as “the boss of the family,” Hazel was someone her loved ones could always depend on. She was known for her strength, wisdom, and steady guidance, always striving to do what was right.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Georgia Bell Adams Banks and Breamon Banks; her siblings, Leon Banks, Kala Mae Banks Qualls, Eva Lee Banks Smith, and John Lewis Banks; and her brothers-in-love, Dewayne McDermott and Micheal Daniel Sr.
Above all, Hazel cherished her family. She shared 45 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Leroy McDermott, a bond built on love, faith, and devotion. She leaves to honor her memory her loving daughter, Hailee (Clarence) Young, and her beloved grandchildren, Kobe Smith, Chloe Young, and Calee Young, who brought immense joy to her life. She also leaves five sisters—Queenie Bell Smiley, Carolyn Lawrence, Annie (Clyde) Smith, Linda Banks, and Virginia Daniel—along with three sisters-in-love, Poncella Roberts, Jodie (Frankie) Williams, and Lucy (Rick) Walker, and two brothers-in-love, John Robert McDermott Jr. and Stevie (Jasmine) McDermott. In addition, she leaves her dear and faithful friends, Carrie Harris and Karine Brooks, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Hazel Ann Banks McDermott will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love, faith, and unwavering strength.
Public viewing will begin at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home.
The celebration of Hazel’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church located at 400 Tunnel Blvd.
The service will be livestreamed from the church’s Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/14YCVzqiy8B/
Interment will follow on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Chattanooga National Cemetery.