Hazel Inman

In the loud and hurried pace of society, the people who are quiet and go seemingly unnoticed, end up making the largest impact in the lives of others. Hazel Inman was a private and quiet woman, but undoubtedly changed the lives of those she met and loved.

As Congress declared the end of World War I a few months earlier in our nation's capital, Hazel Inman was born in Nunica, MI on November 30, 1921 to Henry and Emma (Starky) Corbett. She was the 11th child born in this family who had recently come to western Michigan from the Dakota's. Her father supported his large family as a farmer in the Nunica area. Hazel attended school in the Nunica area through the 8th grade. After 8th grade she moved to Grand Rapids to live with her sister. Once at the legal working age of 16, she became a nanny and live-in maid for families around the city.

Through one of her various social connections Hazel met Clarence Inman. Like her father, Clarence was also a farmer. When they found themselves in love, they were married and settled on a piece of land in Ada Township. In the following years they became the proud parents of 4 children. To continue to provide for his family, Clarence supplemented his farming with a factory job in Grand Rapids until it closed.

Hazel worked at Amway and was the 6th woman ever hired by the company. At the time she was hired, Amway was still small, allowing her and the founders to know each other personally. She retired from Amway after working there for 23 years.

After making friends with the minister of Northland Baptist Church, Hazel became a member of the church. A few years later she became a member of North Park Baptist Church, which provided a fellowship she enjoyed. Even though Hazel never became active in church activities, she did enjoy the worship services and the time spent at church. Hazel was a religious person, spending most of her time reading the Bible and other religious books, listening to religious radio and watching TV church services when she could no longer attend in person. Hazel liked to write poetry and her writing reflected her faith in God. Here is a poem that reflectes her Christian testimony:

MY GOD IS NEAR

This very day was made for me.

I know because he let me see.

He gave me hands so I could do

Most anything he wants me to.

I know my God is near,

His voice of comfort I can hear.

He gave me faith, He

Gave me peace,

And let my fears to Him release.

He gave me pain and

Burdens too,

And in them I got strong

And grew.

He sent His Word so pure,

So true.

The Bible is for me and you.

Now I must go and spread

The Word.

And tell the world what

I have heard.

Oh Yes I know my god is near,

He spoke this day to me.

Hazel Inman

Hazel was a very private person and generally kept to herself. Her pride and joy were her family and she loved to talk about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hazel L. Inman died on Sunday, September 11, 2005. She is preceded in death by her husband Clarence Inman. Her family includes her children, Marilyn McBride, James A. and Marcia Inman, Marjorie and Bill Van Ess, Clare Inman, son-in-law Charles McBride, grandchildren: Debra (Ben) Rodriguez, Shelly (Jeff) Joles, James McBride, Steven McBride, James C. (Kristi) Inman, Ashley Inman, John (Kim) Van Ess, Jeniffer Van Ess, (Fiancé Kam Moree) Jessica Van Ess, 14 great grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Basil and Doreen Corbett, her sisters-in-law Betty Inman and Wilma Kieft and nieces and nephews.

Friends can celebrate Hazel's life with her family on Sunday September 18, 2005 at 2 PM at North Park Baptist Church , 3365 Coit N.E. The Rev. Thomas Rohrer and Rev. Kenneth Floyd will officiate. Cremation has taken place and her remains will be buried in Findlay Cemetery. Please visit Hazel's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial contribution to the National Kidney Foundation, 731 Front NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.