Born and raised in Ellijay, Georgia, Hazel Elizabeth Ledford Collins passed away peacefully on September 25th, 2022 at the age of 87 following a prolonged illness.

She is predeceased by her father, John Harley Ledford; her mother, Margaret Elizabeth James Ledford; and eight brothers: Walter Clay Ledford; Joseph Cecil Ledford; Sherman Carl Ledford; James Garfield Ledford; Robert Earl Ledford; Horace Roosevelt Ledford; Howard Ledford (deceased as an infant); and Charles Ledford (deceased as an infant). Hazel's only sister, Georgia Ann Ledford Turnage, resides in Smyrna, Georgia.

Hazel is survived by her children, grandchildren, and two great-grandsons: her son, Douglas Buffington and his wife Melanie; her daughter, Sharon Monroe and her husband David; her son, Steven Buffington and his wife Connie; her grandson Blake Buffington and his wife Lindsey; her grandson, Wesley Clackum and his wife Kristen; her grandson, Wade Buffington; her grandson, Cole Buffington, and her two young great-grandsons.

Those blessed to know Hazel will remain inspired by her deep love of family, her tremendous work ethic, her ingenuity, her fierce independence, her loyalty to friends, and her respect for the word of God.

The family will receive visitors at Bernhardt Funeral Home in Ellijay on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The funeral service will immediately follow visitation at Bernhardt Funeral Home at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022.

Flowers will be accepted in memory of Ms. Hazel Elizabeth Ledford Collins, or donations may be made to Presbyterian Village Austell-2000 East-West Connector - Austell, GA 30106, 770-628-1234.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.