Gene Hassel

Gene Olivia Bryan was born in Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on June 26, 1933.
From very humble beginnings, she found her way to success as a gifted athlete and popular classmate. She ultimately became president of her High School Class. Stories abound of her hijinks, adventures, and triumphs with classmates and friends. Along the way, she befriended one of those classmates, Auslin A. Hassel, a gentle, caring,and studious man who was destined to become her husband. They enjoyed 59 years of wedded bliss, travelling the world as an Air Force family before settling in Abilene, Texas.

Gene was known for her warm engaging personality and her competitive spirit. The athletic prowess displayed in Bowling Leagues and Softball teams as a young mother would prepare her well as her family grew to include three rambunctious boys and one fiercely independent daughter.
Many enjoyed her exemplary culinary talents. She loved to share dishes and recipes gathered through a lifetime of worldwide travels as an Air Force Wife. Often the Hassel table was set for college students, Dyess Air Force Base Airmen, church missionaries, and anyone else who stopped in near meal time.
Her great loves included her family, the Baker Heights Church of Christ family, and a host of friends around the globe. The many children she helped in elementary schools held a special place in her heart. Her reputation as the Church Candy Lady endures.

Gene was preceded in death by her sister, Ellarose Woodley; brother, Ecedro Bryan; sister-in-law, Rosa Christopher; and brother-in-law, Lee Quarterman. She is survived by her dedicated husband, Auslin; loving sister Bernice Quarterman; Sister-in-law, Audrey Hassel Parson; sons, Stephen (Joanne),Scott (Denise), Michael; daughter Stephanie Lynn McNeil (Fred). She leaves behind a legacy to grandsons Zachary, Jared, Aiden, Kellen, and Cory.
Her loving nieces and nephews include- Anthony, Cheryl and Merlene Quarterman; Warren Hodge; Chandra Woodley, Allyson Agard; Kenneth and Kaj Christopher; Dominic Parson; Leanne Parson Gibbs. In addition to numerous great nieces, nephews and countless others that she called her own.

She was a courageous Breast Cancer survivor and donations to honor her victory and those who continue to overcome can be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral will be 10:00 AM, Friday, November 13, 2015 at Baker Heights Church of Church, 5382 Texas Avenue.

Condolences may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, November 12, 2015
6:00-8:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Baker Heights Church Of Christ
5382 Texas Avenue
Abilene, TX  79605
Friday, November 13, 2015
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

American Cancer Society
209 S. Danville Dr.
Abilene, TX  79605