Hazel Williams

Hazel Williams, age 93 passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at her home in Phoenix, AZ. Hazel was born September 8, 1928, in Coyle, Oklahoma to Alphonso and Ruth Campbell, and she had one brother Alfonso, Jr.

When she was a young girl, her father relocated to Mesa Arizona to do sharecropping and make a better life for his family. They followed him to Mesa a few years later. Hazel started elementary school a year early because her older brother Alfonso taught her everything he learned in his classes.

Hazel attended Phoenix College, where she received her associate’s degree and met the love of her life…Travis Lee Williams. After a romantic and exciting courtship, they were married on February 5, 1949. Their marriage lasted for 59 years until Travis’ passing, in 2008. From that union they were blessed with three sons and a daughter. Both Hazel and Travis went on to graduate from Arizona State University with their bachelor’s degrees and later their master’s degrees.

Hazel was an elementary school teacher for 33 years, teaching thousands of students in the South Phoenix area. Her first teaching job was at Percy L. Julian School in 1952. She subsequently transferred to Jorgenson elementary School where she taught until her retirement from The Roosevelt School District. Over her 33 years, she made many longtime friends like Bertha Solomon, Madeline Mason, Mavis Edwards and Eva Flowers. Hazel was adored by her students and she adored them. Often someone would approach her or one of her children and say proudly they were one of her former students. One of her students even stopped by the day before she passed to say hi and to tell her how much Mrs. Williams positively influenced her life.

Hazel accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a little girl and remained a devout Christian until her passing. Hazel, Travis and their young sons, Travis, Jr. and Robert were one of the founding families of Southminster Presbyterian Church. She had a lovely voice and sang in the Chancel Choir for many many years. She served as a Deacon, a dedicated member and past president of the Women’s Guild and volunteered at the church whenever needed.

One of Hazel’s favorite pastimes was traveling with her husband Travis. They went to many interesting and exciting locations around the world such as London, Paris, Rome, Greece, Mexico and the Caribbean, just to name a few. Hazel enjoyed people and was a social butterfly. She belonged to two charity and social organizations, The Royaletts and the Les Dames Charmontes (The Charming Ladies). Both organizations hosted many fundraisers and entertainment events such as stage shows and dances. Hazel loved to participate in them because she got to sing and dance. In 1953 she became a member of the Delta Beta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and took to heart its motto “Excellence in Service to All Mankind”. She actively supported all of their education fundraising and community outreach projects. She was very involved in her local chapter and held many leadership offices. Hazel loved to travel to and participate in the various regional and national AKA conventions. She thoroughly enjoyed going on excursions with her sorority sisters no matter the location. Hazel was also very involved in the South Phoenix community in which she lived for over 70 years. She was a member of the Princess Jean Fight Back Block Watch and The City of Phoenix People United Fight Back.

Of all earthly things that Hazel loved, none surpassed the love for her family! She was a wonderful wife to Travis, mother and friend to all of her children and grandchildren. She nurtured and supported them in all of their endeavors. She loved being with them and they loved being with her. Hazel’s love for her family was evidenced by the fact that she helped start The Jones Family bi-annual reunion. And she never missed one over the 28 years that they were held. She loved her relatives on the Williams side as well and always enjoyed being around them. Hazel was beautiful inside and out. She was smart, caring and loads of fun. She had a beautiful smile that would light up any room. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother. She is survived by her children: Travis L. Williams, Jr., Robert Earl Williams (Corrina), Alan Cody Williams (Jeri) and Marlena Rae Vincent (Kenneth), Grandchildren: Alana Faussette, Tiara Andrews (Zachary), Chase, Brittani, Alan, and Cody Williams, Bryan and Brianna Vincent; 5 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Universal South Mountain Mortuary, 7007 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85042.

Floral gifts can be sent to Universal South Mountain Mortuary. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/phoenix-akarama-foundation-inc/2021-fashionetta or mailed to PO Box 64971, Phoenix, AZ 85082.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Williams family.