Hazel L. Gill

Hazel L. Gill (nee Diaz), a longtime Yonkers resident, died on Thursday January 7, 2016 at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. She was 96 years old. She was born on January 20, 1919 to Manuel and Caroline Johnson Diaz in New Haven, Ct. She was raised and educated in Scarsdale and graduated from Mamaroneck High School. Mrs. Gill was a home health aide at Sans Souci Nursing Home for many years while raising her seven children. She lived in Scarsdale, White Plains and finally in Yonkers. She was a longtime member of the Messiah Baptist Church where she was the matriarch (oldest mother) and a member of the hospitality committee. She was also a member of a woman’s organization that promoted scholarships for youths to go to college. Mrs. Gill enjoyed shopping and socializing with her girlfriends and neighbors. She loved people and was always involved with people throughout her life. She married her loving husband, Hayward S. Gill in Petersburg, VA. Mr. Gill died in March 2007. Survivors include four sons, Robert Harris of Kissimee, FL., Arthur L. Harris of Atlanta, GA, Rachard Harris of Kissimee, FL. and Hayward S. Gill, Jr. of New York City and two daughters, Barbara Priest of Nightdale, NC and Linda Bryan of Yonkers. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Lawrence Gill in 2009 and a brother Gerald Johnson. Visiting hours will be at the Messiah Baptist Church on Wednesday from 5-9pm. Funeral Service will be held in Messiah Baptist Church on Thursday January 14th at 10am. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Donations in her name may be made to the Messiah Baptist Church C/O Hayward S. Gill, Jr. The family invites friends and relatives to the memorial celebration (repast) immediately following the interment at the Nepperhan Community Center, 342 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, N.Y.

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

168 Park Ave.

Yonkers, N.Y. 10703

(914)965-5488

www.whalenandballfh.com