Velva Leona Hazel, 73, of North Biloxi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 in Gulfport, MS.
Mrs. Hazel was born in Cedar Hill, MO, where she met and married her childhood sweetheart, Earl. Through his service in the Air Force, they came to Biloxi, where they decided to stay and build their life. During Mrs. Hazel's life on the coast, she was extremely active as a volunteer in the community as well as at LeMoyne Boulevard Baptist Church, where she was a member. She served as a girl scout leader, a softball coach for St. Martin, as well as dedicating an innumerable number of hours to St. Martin school systems, specifically the band. She also managed Coastal Childcare, caring for children like they were her own for nearly two decades.

Mrs. Hazel's greatest passion outside of her family was her love of growing things. She had a true natural green thumb. She used her gift of gardening in the church flowerbeds as well as a larger than life vegetable garden used for the church during the summer. She was a devoted wife and a loving mom and grandmother. She was an exceptional cook and thoroughly enjoyed getting her friends and family together to have fun and enjoy each others company. Her family and friends will always remember her as a caring person who was always there for people when they needed her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor and Archie Jones of Cedar Hill, MO, her husband Earl Hazel of St. Martin, MS and her daughter, Denise Hazel Holt (husband George Holt of Bendale survives) of St. Martin, MS.

She is survived by her daughter, Leann Canaan, sons Alan Hazel and Kenny Hazel, all of St. Martin, her grandchildren, Jessica Canaan Dent, Amanda Brooke Canaan, and Lindsey Michelle Levens all of Biloxi, Taylor Leann Holt and Ethan Aaron Holt of Bendale, and Kayla Michelle Hazel, of Auburn, KY, her great grandchildren, Graham Lee Dent, AzLyn Denise Levine and Kaisen Able Levine, all of Biloxi. Siblings Gary (Gerry) Jones, Dean Jones, Earl Jones and Darla (David) Pitts all of Cedar Hill, MO.

A viewing is set for 4-6 PM at LeMoyne Boulevard Baptist Church. Pastor Patrick Levine will officiate the service with a reception to follow. All are welcome to come celebrate Mrs. Hazel's life. A private graveside service will be held in Cedar Hill, MO, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. The family would like to thank everyone for being here for them as they deal with the loss of a beautiful woman.

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