Hazel Mae Wilson

Hazel Mae Sontag Wilson was born on December 28, 1927, in Buhl, Alabama, to Thomas E. and Elva V. Sontag. She was one of eleven children. Her family later moved to Southfield, Arkansas, near El Dorado, where she attended school and graduated with honors in 1946. Following graduation, Hazel moved to Little Rock to attend Capital City Business College. With her newly acquired skills, she was employed for thirty-three years by local automobile dealerships.

As a teenager, Hazel’s passion was fast-pitch softball, a sport she pursued with unwavering dedication. Her sweetheart, and future husband, coached her team. On December 27, 1947, she married Lloyd Earl Wilson. They were totally devoted to each other and inseparable for 70 years.

Hazel and Lloyd began attending Geyer Springs United Methodist Church in 1946, where she found great joy in her church and Sunday School classes over the years.

Together, Hazel and Lloyd shared a love for square dancing that spanned over fifty years. They traveled across Arkansas and many other states, attending dances and conventions. Their commitment to the dance community was evident in their leadership roles, serving as co-presidents of the Arkansas Square Dance Federation in 1962 after holding every other leadership position. Hazel often remarked that square dancing was good, clean fun and that they made friends everywhere they went.

In July 2011, Hazel was honored with induction into the Arkansas Women’s Softball Hall of Fame, a recognition she deeply cherished.

Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lloyd E. Wilson; her parents, Thomas E. and Elva Victoria Sontag; grandparents John and Sally Sontag, and Bluford Alonzo and Carrie Mae Calvert; eight brothers: Thomas, L.B., Howard, Wayne, Charles, Kenneth, David, and Robert; and two grandsons, Travis Clark Wilson and Andrew Ryan Wilson. Also, her cherished dog, Pepper, who brought many years of loving companionship.

She is survived by her two sons, Randy E. Wilson (Karen) and Norman Ray Wilson (Pam); grandson Nick Wilson (Julia); sisters Carolyn Bolin and Betty Sanders (James); Ryan Sanders and a host of other nieces and nephews. Their dear friends, Pam Mascoe and the late Stan, who traveled, square danced, and played cards with Hazel and Lloyd, brought tremendous joy and were considered family.

Hazel’s life was marked by dedication, love, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, friendship, and service that touched all who knew her.

Our family is profoundly grateful for the compassionate and dedicated care Mom received at Maumelle Companion Care Home. They kept her comfortable, treated her with dignity, and surrounded her with genuine friendship. Their skill, tenderness, and steady presence made a meaningful difference during her time of need.

We are also deeply appreciative of the caregivers from Hospice Home Care for the sensitive and attentive way they supported Mom. A special word of thanks goes to Tangie, the pastoral caregiver, whose conversations and songs brought Mom comfort and joy. Their collective kindness will always be remembered with gratitude.

Rev. Ann Holcomb will be officiating at the family graveside service that will be held at Forest Hills Memorial Park on Tuesday April 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM.