Hazel D. Boyd

The wait was over for the world, and the late David Henry and Naomi (Langston) Lawson in Goldsboro, NC became parents to their precious baby girl, Hazel Darrell Boyd, who was born on January 21, 1945. After moving to Maryland in 1949, she received her early childhood education through the Baltimore City Public School System and finished at the Carver High School where she received her diploma.

In 1961, she married Leroy Baldwin and they welcome three beautiful daughters, Angelita, Yolanda and Jacqueline. Later in life, she married the love of her life, William Boyd and together they raised the girls and welcomed two adorable sons Charles and William who added joy to the family of seven.

Hazel wanted more for her life. Her spiritual journey began in 1983 when she joined Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Walter Paige.

She remained a faithful and dedicated member until her transition. While learning more about her Savior and new Church family, she eagerly served with gladness with the Kitchen Ministry, sang on the Mass Choir, participated in the Golden Age Club and attended Wednesday Night Bible Study which were a joy and fulfilling part in her life. Last year, she had the pleasure of volunteering at the National Baptist Convention. As she continued her membership under the leadership of Pastor Gregory R. Maddox, his direction and guidance in creased her Christian growth which instilled the importance of a relationship with Christ. Her favorite scripture was 2 Corinthians 12:9-"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power in made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

With 31 years of devoted and committed service Hazel was able to retire from Baltimore City where she began her career as a key puncher operator. Her quiet spirit and loyalty to work led to a promotion to Data Entry Tech II. When not working, Hazel loved to read, crochet blankets or watch the Food Network Channel to learn new recipes that she would try on her loving family.

Praying was part of Hazel's daily routine because she knew her legacy was in her family. Unselfishly she would support their dreams using her time, lending a listening ear or giving you words of wisdom that were always practical and seasoned with love. She was a second mother to many. And if you were blessed enough to be a part of the family the odds, are you never left. Especially with all the frequent family gatherings. If you were hungry or needed a place to stay. "Headquarters" the family home, as some like to call it was known to be a great refuge.

She was known far and wide as the best cook in the family. Traditionally she would host for the holidays. Her family faithfully looked forward to her supreme spread every Sunday. The door was always open for good food, fellowship and good times topped with her world-famous sweet potato pie. Her life truly demonstrated the Proverbs 31 Woman, her children call her blessed and her husband sings her praise.

Hazel's precious children, Yolanda Adelagun and William A. Boyd proceeded her in death, one grandson, Demicko Baldwin and great grandson, Dakarai M. Baldwin and her siblings, Yvonne Anderson, Melva Grace Lawson and David H. Lawson Jr. also proceeded her in  death.

However, the most memorable memories of Hazel will be cherished by her loving husband, William; her children Angelita Johnson (Kevin), Jacqueline Tuggle (Thurman), and Charles Boyd; one sister, Audrey Lawson; twenty-three grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. We will see you again, granny/grandma and momma!