Frances Dodge Hazel, known and loved by most as Fran, passed away at her home in Evansville, Indiana, on April 28, 2026.
She was hilarious, free-spirited, and usually a little quiet… until she decided you were one of her people. And once you were, you got all of her—quick wit, real laughter, and a whole lot of singing.
Fran loved Jesus. That was never a question. It showed up in how she lived, how she loved, and how she carried herself through life.
Music wasn’t just something she enjoyed. It was part of who she was. She grew up singing in church, studied music at Liberty University and Belmont University, and sang her whole life.
She spent her career in healthcare, caring for others with an empathy only she could offer. From her time in various nursing facilities to her work at Gateway Deaconess Hospital, she had a gift for meeting people where they were and caring for them with warmth, patience, and dignity.
Her greatest joy was being a mom to Alison. And then she became Jase’s YaYa. He was the light of her life. She loved girls' lunches, adventures with Jase, and settling in with PBS. The simple moments were the ones she held onto most.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Hazel, her father, Carlton Dodge, and her grandparents, William and Lucille English, and Clifton Dodge.
She is survived by her mother, Deanna English Phelps, and Larry Phelps of Calvert City, her daughter Alison Armstrong Hillman, her son-in-love Jason, and her precious grandson Jase of St. Louis, along with many cousins and friends who miss her already.
She made it very clear she didn’t want a room full of black and sadness. She wanted an outdoor celebration of life because she would be at the feet of Jesus.
A graveside service will be held on May 13th at 11 am at Highland Park Cemetery (223 Central Avenue, Mayfield, Kentucky). Wear something with color. Come ready to celebrate a musical life.
And if there’s singing… that would be exactly right.
Condolences can be sent to: Alison Hillman, 9909 Manchester Road, #416, Saint Louis, MO, 63122.
