Our God who is omnipotent, wise, eternal in love, One who remains divinely perfect throughout all ages has come and taken our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister in law, aunt, cousin, and friend, Hazel Gertrude Ward Burton. She humbly departed this life on Tuesday May 28, 2019. A native of Hobgood NC, Hazel was born to the late Henry Ward and Victoria Savage Ward.
She was educated in the public-school system of North Carolina. Her family later moved to Virginia, where she met and married a Navy Submariner, the late Howard Burton, her husband of 65 years. Hazel enjoyed traveling with him to various tours of duty. After retirement from the military, they settled in New Jersey, which would be their home for 30 years.
Hazel lost her eyesight in 1979. Even though vision impaired, she did not see that as a handicap. An advocate for education and independence, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kean College, (now Kean University) in 1989. One year later, in 1990, she received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She received a standing ovation as she walked across the stage to accept her degree. She soared against all odds. Following this accomplishment, she became Resident Director at a then popular Nursing Home in Plainfield New Jersey. She remained there until retirement.
Desiring to be closer to their grandchildren, Hazel and Howard relocated to Virginia in 1998. She joined the Civic League, Tarrallton Senior Club, and the Virginia Association for the Blind, where she once held the office of President. Hazel was an active member of Saint Pius X Catholic Church, receiving weekly visits after her health declined.
Hazel leaves in God’s care, her devoted son Minister Thomas Marc; daughter in law Carol Jane; grandsons Christopher Marcus, (Michele) and Terrance Terrell; great grandchildren, Triniti Aliyss, Bailey Madison, Xavier Nasir, and Clark Madeline; dear cousin, Mary Lou Tyson; special family member, Carrie Wilson, (Gerry) and their three sons; and a host of other relatives and friends.
