The Giggling Granny
Nannie Doss murdered eleven family members, including four of her five husbands
The Giggling Granny, the Lonely Hearts Killer, the Jolly Black Widow, and Lady Bluebeard are not names generally associated with a sweet, little old grandmother. However, Nancy (Nannie) Hazel Doss earned each and every moniker after her shocking confession in October 1954.
Nannie’s Early Life
Nannie Doss was born on November 4, 1905, in Blue Mountain (now a part of Anniston), AL to James and Louisa Hazel. She was one of five children, including one brother and three sisters. Nannie’s father was controlling and abusive and forced his children to stay home and work the farm rather than attending school.
When Nannie was seven, she and her family took a train to south Alabama to visit family. While on the trip, the train that her family was on stopped suddenly, causing Nannie to fall and strike her head. Afterward, she complained of terrible migraines and reportedly suffered from blackouts and bouts of depression. This injury would later be used as an explanation for Nannie’s future crimes.
As the Hazel daughters grew older, their father forbade the girls from doing anything to add to their appearances, such as wearing pretty clothes or makeup. They definitely weren’t…
