Shirley Ann (Bowman) Hazel passed away peacefully Monday, August 24, 2026, with her family at her side. Born March 4, 1946, at Moody Hospital in Dothan, Alabama, Shirley devoted her life to excellence in all she did.
She served 37 years as Magistrate, Houston County District Court, where she was a trusted and respected officer of the court. Known for her unwavering work ethic, she earned the confidence and respect of those with whom she worked and served, including judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers, and fellow court officers. Shirley’s hallmark and enduring legacy will always be her steadfast commitment to honor and integrity. Her knowledge of the law and legal procedures, combined with her meticulous attention to detail, made her a respected leader at the Houston County Courthouse. Upon her retirement from the State of Alabama, Shirley continued to share her knowledge, experience, and talents as Municipal Court Clerk for the Town of Taylor. Shirley also owned and operated S & W Tax Service for 35 years, another reflection of the trust she gained from others. Her business was built not simply on her knowledge and professionalism, but also on the relationships she developed with people from all walks of life. Year after year, she welcomed many of the same clients back, some returning to her for decades and trusting her with one of their most important financial responsibilities. Her repeat customers were a testament to her honesty, attention to detail, reliability, and genuine commitment to taking care of people. Shirley valued that trust and never took it for granted. To her, every client mattered, and she worked tirelessly to make sure they were treated with the same dedication and care she gave to everything in her life. Shirley was also known for her wonderful sense of style and took great pride in her appearance. She believed in looking her best, with perfectly coiffed hair, flawless makeup, and colorful outfits. In the courtroom, her polished appearance reflected the poise, confidence, and professionalism with which she carried herself. She embodied independence, self-assurance, and poise. Of all the roles Shirley held, none was more important to her than being a mother and grandmother. She worked hard to provide for them, giving her children security and opportunities she felt she had missed as a child. She never hesitated to put her family’s needs before her own and never expected anything in return. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and nothing she achieved professionally could compare to the pride and love she had for them. To her children, she was their protector and safe place. To her grandchildren, she was a source of unconditional love, encouragement, and joy. Shirley’s other treasured roles were those of wife, sister, and daughter. She adored her husband, Richard Marion Hazel, who doted on her until his death in 2022. With him, she shared a fondness for old Westerns, enjoying the familiar stories, characters, and simple pleasures they brought. She also cherished her brothers (and sisters-in-law), Wendell Eugene Bowman (Shirley) and Bobby Mack Bowman (Karen), both of whom preceded her in death, and her baby sister (and late brother-in-law), Elaine Collins (Joe), who remained a constant source of love and support through every season of life. Together, the siblings were a source of constant laughter and strength, qualities they gained from their beloved parents, the late R.L. and Ouida Mae Sasnett Bowman.
Shirley was also preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Daniel McNeil and Amanda Gray Bowman and maternal grandparents, Bishop Marvin and Cora Lee Anna Cunningham Sasnett.
Shirley is survived by her children, Billy Martin Ward, Jr. (Sara) and Angela Rae Richardson; her grandchildren, Jordan Tyler Smith, Athena Ann Ward, and Brandon Miles Ward; her sister, Patricia Elaine Collins; her sister-in-law, Karen Whitney-Bowman; a special cousin, Sally Hogg Buchanan; and a cherished friend, Sharon House Hubbard, as well as many extended family members, former coworkers, and friends whom she had always considered “family.”
