Azalee Baker Sain died on April 4, 2008 at Mayview Convalescent Center in Raleigh of cancer following an extended illness.
Azalee was a person of many interests. She was a world traveler and an avid reader, but most of all she loved her work at the Raleigh Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, and the Healing Place for Men and Women. She served on the boards of these organizations for several years and was always a loving advocate for the homeless and downtrodden.
Azalee was very proud of the fact that she was a member of the original North Carolina Friendship Force to Newcastle, England and a founding member of the Thomas Wolfe Society. She was a longtime supporter of the Thompson Theater and eventually the University Theater. In the 1960's, she was a Welcome Wagon Hostess and a member of the first Women's Auxillary at Wake Medical Center.
For fifty years she was a member of Longview United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, served on the Board and held many offices in the United Methodist Women. At the time of her death she was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Her career was with North Carolina Community Colleges where she was in charge of acquisition of library books for the system until her retirement. She had many friends throughout the state and nation in connection with this position.
Azalee's favorite saying and basic philosophy of life was, "YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD". Although we will miss her, we know we shall surely see her again one sweet day.
That was from her obituary.
My second cousin Azalee was also the stern taskmaster who insisted that you be on time for Thanksgiving dinner. “We're going to start eating at 12:00. Not 12:15 or 12:30, 12:00. Be on time.”
She went regularly to put flowers on the graves of departed family members. In later days, I drove her to the town of Four Oaks, to the cemetery at Barbour's Chapel. Before we went to the cemetery, we would stop at the drug store where Bill Canady would make us a soda from the fountain, just like he has for nigh on to 75 years. Afterwards, she would insist on barbecue at the White Swan, where she knew the owner, who was also the mayer.
On those days, Azalee would walk slowly, mentioning that her body hurt but not so much complaining as explaining. She would say, “This growing old is not for sissies!” She never forgot to send a written thank-you card.
Azalee traveled regularly to Israel where she had a fellow who was sweet on her. She brought back tiny crosses made from the olive tree. There's one in her coffin and one hanging in my house.
When I gave Azalee a copy of my first novel, she insisted on paying me. As her house was one large bookshelf, it's a wonder she found room for my little book. And as she was prone to biographies and non-fiction, I doubt she read it. That's all right. I don't mind.
Her favorite artist was Al Martino and she asked me to learn a couple of his songs. At her grave site, I sang “Let's Get Away From It All” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” I know she's pleased.
The list of community projects, charities and organizations noted above does not begin to tell the story. When Azalee would find herself with time on her hands, she would find a good cause and go fight for it. She had a perimeter of small field stone erected around the Four Oaks City Cemetery. I drove her out to see the dedication. She suggested, started and saw completed the Healing Place for Women in Raleigh. There wasn't a good venture in town that didn't have Azalee on the board.
That sort of industriousness runs in the family. I for one am glad for it. Thanks, Azalee.
