Hazel Faye George Greiner Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hazel Faye George Greiner on July 3, 2025 in her home on the Catawba Indian Reservation. We are grateful to Heavenly Father that Faye is now free from the trials and infirmities of this world and reunited with many loved ones who went before her. Faye was born on the Catawba Indian Reservation on November 19, 1935 to the late John Marvin George and Evelyn Brown George. She is the third child and first daughter of the family. Faye grew up on the reservation during difficult times when resources were scarce and opportunities were limited. During several summers beginning in the 1930's she traveled with her parents, grandparents and siblings to a fair in Schoenbrunn, Ohio to create and sell pottery to help support the family. She attended the reservation school for Catawba children before full integration took place. She also attended boarding school at Cherokee, NC from 1948 to 1952. It was at the Cherokee school that she was introduced to basket weaving which would become a life-long practice. She was well-known for her baskets which were sought after by many and have found homes throughout the United States. In addition to basketry, Faye was diligent in the creation of the traditional pottery of the Catawba Indian Nation. She was in a long line of accomplished potters in her own family, but was open and willing to learn from others. She was fiercely protective of maintaining the traditional process and creation of these historic forms. Faye also enjoyed beadwork and sewing. She taught many workshops to children, youth and seniors in the Catawba tribal community. She remained active in her cultural practices up to the last few months of life. Faye is the mother of four children: Hazel Dewey "Ted" Bodiford, Bruce Marvin Bodiford, Kimberly Sue Garland McHugh and Steven Edward Garland. Faye spent many years in Michigan where she eventually retired from the Michigan Transit Authority. Upon her return to the reservation in 1991, she revived basket weaving among the Catawba people and also worked in tribal offices including managing the kitchen of the Longhouse feeding staff and visitors. Her chicken salad and banana pudding were popular and always a quick sell out. Faye was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Having been taught by early stalwarts of the church, she always maintained her belief and served others in own her way. In addition to her parents, Faye was preceded in death by other immediate family members: her son Bruce, grandson Michael Brady, brothers Howard, Charlie, John, Wayne and Kenneth as well as sister Nancy and an unnamed infant sister. Left to cherish her memory and teachings are her children Ted Bodiford, Kim (Dan) McHugh, Steve (Vivian) Garland, granddaughter Stephanie McHugh, siblings Phillip George, JoAnn Bauer and Susan George, numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended Catawba Nation family. The family wishes to thank those who served tirelessly to give care in the final days and preserve her dignity in passing through the veil of mortality. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Catawba Ward at 1989 Reservation Road, Rock Hill. Bishop Matthew Burris will be officiating. Inurnment will follow at the church cemetery.