Hazel Pauline Flegel McConnell Pou

Hazel Pauline Flegel McConnell Pou, 91, widow of Shelby McLean Pou, passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, at her daughter’s home.

Hazel was the daughter of the late Reverend Martin William Flegel and Mary Myrtle McCants Flegel. Born on February 8, 1935, in Andrews, South Carolina, she lived a life filled with love, faith, laughter, and service to others.

A devoted member and elder of Maryville Pentecostal Holiness Church, Hazel dedicated her life to serving the Lord through Bible study, worship, and faithful service in her church. She cherished the fellowship of believers and often traveled throughout the country to attend gospel camp meetings.

Throughout her life, Hazel had a strong work ethic. Early in her career, she worked at La Sheek beauty salon where she did manicures. She took great pride in her work and always made sure her own nails stayed perfectly polished. Later in life, she worked at Lowcountry Discount Fabric store where she helped others pick out the perfect fabric for upholstery, curtains, and other sewing projects.

Hazel was a woman of many talents, and she generously shared her gifts with everyone she could. She had a passion for sewing and was well known for creating beautiful curtains, formal gowns, clothing, and decorative pillows. She also used her creativity and servant's heart to cater special events, decorate, and coordinate weddings, helping make countless occasions memorable.

Hazel is survived by her beloved daughter, Hazel Rebecca "Becky" Wheeler; her grandchildren, Cody (Paige) Wheeler and Kerri (Bert) Kellahan; a step granddaughter, Tanya Casselman (Craig); and her eight cherished great-grandchildren: John Sid Wheeler, Coy Wheeler, Hattie Wheeler, Hollis Wheeler, Ro Kellahan, Mak Kellahan, Polly Kellahan, and Warren Kellahan; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored. She dearly loved babies and found her greatest joy in being "Granny" to each of her great-grandchildren, holding every one of them with immeasurable pride and love.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her son, John Branson McConnell, Jr.; her son-in-law, Jeff Wheeler; her sisters, Mary F. (Ruice) Lambert, Bee F. (Hubert) Platt, and Patti F. (Karl) Bankhead; her brothers, Martin J. “Ponnie” Flegel and Charles L. Flegel; and two nieces whom she loved as daughters, Lynette P. Royal and Wanda Lambert.

Hazel will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, sense of style, remarkable talents, and the love she shared with her family, friends, and church community. Her legacy of kindness, service, and devotion to Christ will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Andrews First Pentecostal Holiness Church. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends from 2-3PM Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the church.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Amedysis Hospice, Dale Williams and Peggy Collins for the loving care they provided to Mrs. Pou.

Memorials may be made to Andrews First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 606 S. Cedar Avenue, Andrews, SC 29510 or to The Sanctuary at Maryville Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2014 Poplar St. Georgetown, SC 29440.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ridgewayfh.com

Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242