Mrs. Hazel McDaniel Dillard, age 72, of Morganton, GA, passed away on Sunday May 15, 2011 at her home following an extended illness. Born in Fannin County, GA she was the daughter of the late William M. and Estie Lavada Pope McDaniel. She graduated from West Fannin High School in the class of 1956. Mrs. Dillard retired from Levi Strauss after working many years as a seamstress. She was also a member of the Mineral Bluff House of Prayer where she served as the pianist. Mrs. Dillard sang and played the piano with several gospel groups through the years, including the Way of Life Trio with her sister, Ruby Thomas, while living in Florida. Her music ministry extended throughout the southeast and as far west as Oklahoma. Mrs. Dillard sang and lived her anthem song, Praise God, Praise God, I am a child of The King. Her many other interests included playing shortstop on softball teams in school and traveling. The most special trip being to Israel in 1996.Hazel was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Johnny Dwayne McDaniel, George Washington McDaniel, Harrison "Bud" McDaniel, Helen Victory Walden and Ruby Beatrice Thomas. Survivors include her husband, Harold Dillard of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Michael B. and Angela Usry of Morganton, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry U. and Gary Harper of Blue Ridge, GA; stepdaughter, Sandra Trull and husband Gayland Trull of Mineral Bluff, GA; grandchildren, Dylan Michael Usry, Drake Benton Usry and Madelynn Gail Usry; brother, James Howard McDaniel of Epworth, GA; sisters, Thelma Mae Nichols of Blairsville, GA Willa Nell Jones of Blue Ridge, GA, Ruth Mae "Patsy" Hawkins and husband Leroy of Blue Ridge, GA; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday May 18, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. from the Lebanon Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Usry Rev. Leonard Hunter and Rev. Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Music was provided by Donna and Barry Evans, T.C. and Benny Pickelsimer, Sherry Harper and Winston Chambers. Interment followed in the Lebanon Baptist Church cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Ron Thomas, Winston Chambers, Anthony Walden, Jimmy Jones, Dylan Usry and Johnny Adams. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Relay for Life in memory of Mrs. Dillard to Bonnie Roper C/O Fannin Regional Hospital, 2855 Old Highway 5, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of the arrangements. .