In Memory of
Hassie Lee Waits
February 26, 1930 - November 19, 2017

Hassie Lee Hale Waits loved to identify herself as Hassie Lee from Tennessee. She was born February 26,1930 in Van Buren County, Tennessee, firstborn child to Cecil Larrimore Hale and Lillian Inez Simons Hale. Her courageous and adventuresome spirit brought her to Dallas Texas in 1949 when she married James R.A. Waits. Her parents and siblings soon moved to Dallas as well and the family has remained close-knit throughout the years. Hassie's courage and spirit of adventure were also present in her last years, an inspiration to all who knew her.

Hassie's kindness and cheerful outlook were the hallmarks of her personality. She always had a smile and a positive comment for everyone: friend or stranger. She was very proud of her career as an administrative assistant at Mary Kay Cosmetics and her close association with Mary Kay, and she continued to treasure the friendships of that time, throughout her life. She was a faithful and precious friend to many and a member of Farmers Branch Church of Christ for many decades. Her faith was always very important to her.

She enjoyed playing the piano and told stories of her father taking her into town for lessons every Saturday. Hassie loved gardening and refused to wear gloves because she relished the feel of the soil on her hands. Her roses were spectacular and her spirits were always lifted by a vase of fresh blooms.

Hassie's primary joy in life was her family, near and far. She was a devoted daughter to both parents until their deaths and a loving wife to J.R. for 61 years, until he passed in 2010. She had two children: Linda Diane Waits Jackson was born in 1951 and James Gregory Waits in 1956. Both Linda and Greg are honored and thankful for the loving home that Hassie and J.R. created. Hassie's legacy will also be continued in the lives of her beloved grandchildren: Stefan Aaron Schechner, Mary Elliott Schechner Fuentes, Ariana Kateryn Waits, James Jacoby Jackson, Josette Daniella Jackson,(husband, William Boorse), Shaina Edmondson and her Great Grandchildren: Wesley Cruz Velasquez, Hector Anthony Velasquez, Bianca Emelia Velasquez, Amelia Echo Mabrey, Lorelei Wren Boorse, and Rowan Killian Boorse.

Hassie took great joy in her extended family: Daughter-in-law, Donna Edmondson, Faye Sharpe of McMinnville Tennessee, Bobby Joe Hale (brother) and his wife Anita of Sanger TX, Cecil Hale (brother) and his wife, Phyllis of Plano, her sister, Bettye Sue Bell of Waco, TX and sister-in-laws, Argaree Laham and B.J. Gatlin. She is survived by nieces, Cathy Malcolm, Denise Nicholson, Sherry Hanyo, Terry Burt and nephews, Clayton Hale, Bobby Hale Jr., Ronnie Lynn Hale, Tim Bell and David Bell. She will be missed by her great-nieces and great-nephews as well, as she counted each one of them as precious. Hassie also treasured her cousins in Tennessee and all those relatives she loved who have gone on before her.

We celebrate the bright light of Hassie's life and her gift of love and kindness to us all.

Services will be held on Monday, December 4 at 11a.m. at Farmers Branch Church of Christ, 3035 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch TX, 75234.
Viewing will be at Rhoton Funeral Home on Sunday, December 3, 5-7p.m. at 1511 South Interstate 35e, Carrollton TX, 75006.

The family welcomes all remembrances for Hassie. Donations in her name can be made to VNA Hospice, so that the compassionate care she received can continue to others.