Hazel Webb

Our beloved, Hazel Webb, passed away on Saturday, November 29, after a short illness, surrounded by family and friends. We have lost an extraordinary, worldly, and regal woman who was dearly loved by all who knew her.

Hazel was born in London, England, and soon after her birth was sent to an orphanage in the countryside due to the London Blitz of WWII. After the war, she returned home and was raised by her beloved grandfather, George Alfred Poar, until her first marriage. Growing up with her grandfather, she had a great love for her horses. After her twenty-year marriage ended, Hazel began a new chapter as a fashion consultant at an exclusive boutique in London, where she provided style guidance to many well-known London personalities, including members of the Royal Family.

Years later, Hazel married Big Joe Turner, the former bass player for Isaac Hayes, Al Green, and B.B. King (he played with him for 13 years), and band leader of the Memphis Blues Caravan. She soon embarked on a remarkable adventure as the band’s tour manager and van driver, traveling the world beside him. There were very few countries she had not visited. They eventually settled in one of her favorite international towns, Chédigny, France, where they created an International Blues Festival that continued for many years. Hazel had only one condition before marrying Joe—that she would never move to the United States. But due to family illness, they eventually did relocate, finally settling in Ocean Springs, the place she would come to call the best in the world.

In Ocean Springs, Hazel and Big Joe found a new set of friends they considered family, the Orrison family, owners of The Shed BBQ restaurant. Together, they created a beloved Blues Festival with yearly concerts held at the restaurant, helping build a vibrant local music tradition. Following Big Joe’s passing in 2008, Hazel once again rebuilt her life. She became the Office Manager and Bookkeeper at The Shed BBQ, and her love of adventure led to her appearance in a 2013 reality television series that chronicled the daily life of The Shed BBQ—its big personalities, hardworking crew, and the lively world of barbecue competitions and catering.

While working at The Shed BBQ, Hazel met the love of her life, Carl Webb. They were married in 2013. This new chapter brought her into a large and loving family of six stepchildren, numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, and Carl’s seven siblings. Together in life and now together in memory, Hazel and Carl shared a love that was unmistakable to all who knew them. Married for twelve years, they built a partnership defined by devotion, quiet strength, and a steadfast commitment to caring for each other. Their bond was evident in every small gesture—an encouraging word, a shared laugh, a comforting hand when life grew difficult. They moved through the world as a team, always putting one another first, their deep affection an enduring example of true and lasting love.

Hazel was an avid flower and vegetable gardener and a fabulous cook, happily preparing meals for Carl, family, and friends—even meat dishes—despite being a pescatarian herself. She enjoyed playing cards with Carl every day, visiting family, shopping, and spending time with her dear friends. Young at heart, she never hesitated to jump on a lake tube or pose for a playful photo shoot—like the one in a bathing suit, sitting in a bathtub filled with macaroni and cheese. She embodied the philosophy of living in the moment. She was stoic yet fun, elegant, and every bit the proper English lady. She was also never shy about sharing her thoughts, always offering honest guidance about what was proper and what she believed you needed to do in life.

Hazel is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Violet Poar Roud, and by her second husband, Big Joe Turner.

She leaves behind a large and loving blended family, including her devoted husband, Carl Webb; three sisters-in-law and their spouses, two brothers-in-law and their spouses; six stepchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and step–great-grandchildren; and the extended Webb family. She also leaves behind a circle of friends who were, in every way, her chosen family, especially the Orrison family, who stood by her, laughed with her, and loved her deeply. Lastly, she leaves her furry companion of 18 years, Fluffin’, her devoted cat.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Hazel Webb.