Ms. Hazel Hockaday Haigler

Hazel Haigler was born on April 17, 1938, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to the late William and Emma Hockaday. She was the oldest of four children. Hazel was a devoted mother, wife, and community member who touched many lives with her kindness and spirit. Hazel passed away on March 15, 2025.

Hazel married at an early age to the late Garfield Richardson, Jr. Together, they had four children: Dexter, Eric, Jerald, and Kurt. Hazel was a faithful member of St. Mark AME Church in Smithfield, North Carolina, where she joined at a young age. Later, she became a dedicated member of Zion Canaan Baptist Church, where she served in various capacities, including the Missionary Society, the Wednesday Bible Senior Citizens group, the Gospel Choir, and the Food Service Committee for 3 ½ years. She also participated in church fashion and hat shows, often winning, and attended the First Tea event hosted by the First Lady in 2009.

In addition to her church involvement, Hazel was an active participant in her community. She worked with the New Castle Concerned Citizens and was part of the Family Care Team. Professionally, Hazel was employed as a Cafeteria Manager in Richland District 2 at Forest Lake Elementary School, from where she eventually retired.

Later in life, Hazel met and married St. Clair Haigler. She furthered her education by attending Midlands Technical College and Johnson & Wales University, where she pursued her passion for learning.

Hazel's life was rich with a love for God, reading the Bible, cooking, gardening, and engaging in activities like word searches and coloring at the Senior Citizens Center she frequented. She enjoyed traveling and cherished the time spent with family and friends.

Hazel was preceded in death by her first husband, Garfield Richardson, Jr.; her second husband, St. Clair Haigler; her sons, Eric Richardson and Kurt Richardson; and her sister, Mary Hockaday.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Dexter (Jose) Richardson of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Jerald Lee Richardson, Sr. of Columbia, South Carolina; her brother, Steve Hockaday of Plainfield, New Jersey; her sister, Pearl Hockaday Blackmon of Smithfield, North Carolina; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends. All who knew her will miss her dearly.

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