Hazel G. Pierce

One of sixteen children, Hazel was born on April 26, 1919 in Foss, Oklahoma, to Clay and Maude (Bonny) Powell. She attended grade school in Canute, Oklahoma and graduated from Elk City High School. Growing up in rural Oklahoma in the 1920’s and 30’s was not an easy life; Hazel passed along stories of long days spent “chopping cotton” with her father and siblings, with a packed lunch of cornbread and milk. In early fall, she and her sister, Chlorene, would help harvest (“pick”) the cotton. One story she told was of the deal they made with their father: if they each picked 1000 pounds of cotton that week, he would give them money to buy some new sweaters. They did their part and their father held up his end of the bargain. Here a photo of them, showing off their matching white sweaters. (Hazel is on the left.)

In 1941, Hazel married Walter W. Pierce. Together, they operated a photography studio in Ada, Oklahoma. Their first child, Marlyse, was born in 1943. A few years later, in 1946, their son, Weyman, was born. Unfortunately, Marlyse suffered from asthma and, as a result, her doctor advised that they move to the drier climate of Tucson, Arizona. While Walter continued to manage the studio, Hazel and her children made the journey to Tucson in 1952. A year later, Walter joined them. In 1963, Hazel gave birth to her second son, Edwin.

Her strong faith, helping others, and supporting her family were the most important things in Hazel’s life. One of the activities she enjoyed the most was attending the large family reunions that were held every year back in Oklahoma, which were filled with fun and the laughter of her and all of her brothers and sisters. A devoted mother throughout her life, Hazel sacrificed every ounce of energy to the care of her special needs daughter, Marlyse. Regardless of Hazel’s hardships, she always had empathy for anyone less fortunate. One of her favorite quotes was: “There but for the grace of God go I.” After Walter suffered a severe heart attack, Hazel worked in the local elementary school cafeteria to earn money to support her family and pay for her tuition at a nearby Beauty and Cosmetology school. Graduating in 1969, Hazel worked out of her home and at nursing homes in Tucson, helping the residents not only with their hair and hands, but also with laughter and a warm embrace.

Having lived to the age of 97, Hazel has outlived her husband, Walter, all of her siblings, and her friends of long ago. However, she is survived by her daughter, Marlyse; her son, Weyman and his daughter, Whitney Bangle – and Whitney’s son, Oliver; her son, Edwin, his wife Birgit and their three sons, Alexander, Christopher, and Benjamin. She is also survived by loving in-laws, and a host of nieces and nephews. We all have our own special memories of Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Hazel. Forever will these be in our hearts.

A small Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 3, 2017, at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, Arizona, 85712. Friends and caregivers are welcome.