Dr. Hazel S. Gardner's Obituary
Hazel S. Gardner was born October 10, 1948, to Jay T. and Mae Willie Smith in Tylertown, MS.
Hazel would peacefully transition to eternal rest on May 8, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandchildren, Darryl Carr Jr., and Serenity Janai Flanagan.
Hazel identified as a Christian and was strong in her faith. Hazel would grow up affiliated with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. She would be a faithful member most of her life until she planted her flag at New Hope A.M.E. Church, pastored by Dock S. Cooper, III. She would then move membership, following her Pastor to Agape Christian Fellowship Church, where she'd faithfully serve, until the Lord called her home.
Hazel was educated in the Jackson Public School system and would attend Lanier High School Bulldogs of 833. She would eventually work for many years for the Jackson Public School System, attending night classes at Belhaven College, Millsaps College and then THEE Jackson State University, here she would gain her B.A degree, Masters, Specialist, and finally her PhD.
Hazel established herself as a great cook and baker, for family and friends. She found joy in baking for all occasions and had awesome satisfaction knowing she'd done a wonderful job due to none ever being left.
Hazel would wear many hats careerwise; not only as an office manager, with her brother, Henry Haywood, Jr., but as a teacher's assistant at Galloway Elementary, an educator at Barack Obama Magnet School, Isable Elementary, Baker Elementary and Professor Adjunct at THEE I LOVE, Jackson State University where she would retire.
Hazel strived to be the best parent she could be.
Hazel leaves to mourn her passing, her brother, Henry Haywood, Jr., her beloved Son, Arthur Vincent Williams (Briana), her girls, the Power of 3, Maurette Patrice Love-Brinson, Dornea Nichelle Catchings (Thomas), VaLesha RaQuita Coleman (Marlon), her 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Though she "mothered" many, throughout her extended family, her "children" in her classes; she loved and disciplined them all, fairly. Saying often, "The good has to suffer with the bad!" She truly believed in NOT sparing the rod, as scripture admonishes. She loved and spoiled her grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally, along with her godchildren. Hazel had a plethora of honorary nieces and nephews' cousins and many others, in whom are too many to list, who she loved very much.
What’s your fondest memory of Hazel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hazel?
Share a story where Hazel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hazel you’ll never forget.
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