Hazel Artelia Edwards

Hazel Artelia Edwards, born on March 27, 1943, in Villa Ridge, Illinois, was the third of four children born to Floyd and Annie (Williams) Pryor. She attended South Center Grade School and graduated from Lovejoy High School in Mounds City, Illinois. Hazel accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was an active member of Pryor Memorial Church of God in Christ, formerly known as Villa Ridge Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor D.W. Johnson. She served diligently as a prayer warrior, Sunday School Superintendent and was known for her nurturing spirit, often babysitting and caring for the children of the congregation.

Hazel furthered her education in culinary arts at a school in Paducah, Kentucky where she met her future husband, James Edwards. The couple lived in Olmstead, Illinois before relocating to Springfield for a year. Next they moved to Jackson, Michigan where their daughter, Jacqueline Marie Edwards, was born in 1967. Hazel began working for the Jackson School District as a Bus Driver from 1967-1999 ensuring the safe transportation of children and was affectionately known for her discipline balanced with deep affection for the youth.

Hazel opened her heart and home by serving as a foster parent to many children in need for years. She raised them and nurtured them as her own, while taking them to church and rearing them in the ways of holiness. In 1998, Hazel faced the profound loss of her daughter, Jackie. Demonstrating resilience and unwavering love, she became the parent for her 3 grandchildren, Danielle, Demetria (Dee Dee) & Daniel Jr.

A woman of deep faith, Hazel was a faithful member of the Faith Nation under Apostle John S. Walker and former Pastor Non Walker. She was always ready to visit the sick, cook meals for those in need and assist wherever her hands could serve. Her life was a testament to forgiveness, love and unwavering trust in the Lord. She believed in living the word of God and was known for her greeting, "How you doing?" followed by fervent prayers spoken in tongues, reflecting her deep spiritual connection.

Hazel's home was a sanctuary for many. She loved cooking for her family, often preparing meals that brought everyone together. We are grateful to God for the time that he loaned this great woman of God to all of us and will forever cherish her memory because God knows best!

On Friday, March 7, 2025, at approximately 4:57 a.m., Hazel transitioned to heaven’s mansion with her granddaughter by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Annie and Floyd Pryor; her brother, Wardell Pryor; and her daughter, Jacqueline Edwards-Gant. She leaves to cherish her memory, her 3 grandchildren whom she raised: Danielle (Jacques) Hardrick, Demetria Gant, Daniel (Jesenia) Gant Jr., eight great- grandchildren as well as 2 sisters Clementine (Bishop Juan Sr. -deceased) Morrison and Joann (Richard) Gunner and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Throughout her life, Hazel exemplified the virtues of love, service, and faith. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the children she nurtured, and the unwavering faith she demonstrated.

While we all will greatly miss her, we know she is in the everlasting arms of God and happy to be reunited with her daughter Jackie and others who have gone before her.