Hazel Marie Taylor

Born on August 30, 1936, in the rural community of Hyde County, North Carolina, Hazel was the only child of the late Wilma Elizabeth Jones. Because her mother worked full-time in Norfolk, Virginia, Hazel was raised in North Carolina by her aunt and uncle, Maggie Leatha Boomer and her husband, Andrew J. Boomer Sr., alongside their five children. She was also lovingly supported by Leatha’s sister, Ora Allene Taylor, near the town of Pantego, North Carolina.

Shortly after graduating from Beaufort County High School, Hazel married her high school sweetheart, Willie Taylor, Jr., who had joined the United States Air Force. Their military life took them to various assignments throughout the United States and Hawaii. Wherever they were stationed, typically for three-year duty tours, Hazel embraced each new community, becoming active in the local school system, church, and community while also working at JCPenney.

After 21 years of military life, Hazel and Willie made their final move to Hampton, Virginia, in 1975, where they established their home and became part of a community surrounded by relatives and longtime friends. Hazel went on to enjoy a long and dedicated career with the Hampton Roads school system as a Teacher’s Aide, while also working part-time for Hampton Parks and Recreation and maintaining a 30-year career with JCPenney as a salesclerk.

Hazel enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved shopping and traveling internationally, especially cruising. She also had a passion for reading and cherished her involvement in the choir at First Church of Newport News (Baptist).

On the morning of August 22, 2026, Hazel peacefully entered into eternal glory and into the presence of her Lord at The Regent of Newport News, Virginia, where she received loving care during her final days.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 54 years, Willie Taylor, Jr., who entered into Glory in 2013; her mother, Wilma Jones; her father, Glenwood King Sr.; and her brothers, Lorenzo King and Calvin King.

Hazel’s legacy of love, faith, and caring will live on through her son, Chris Taylor, a retired commercial airline pilot; her granddaughter, China Willis, and her husband, Isiah Willis; their newborn daughter, Cica Willis; her granddaughter, Celina Taylor; her grandson, Jonathan Taylor; and her granddaughter, Camille Taylor, all of whom reside in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers, Wardell King and Glenwood King Jr.; her nephews Reverend Thurman Hankins, Robert Gibbs, and Andre King; her niece, Evangelist Perlene Coleman, and her husband, Dr. Reverend Thomas Coleman; and her niece, Monica King; and a host of other relatives, her church family, members of the community, and dear friends who loved her dearly.

Her legacy will live on through the countless students she guided, the genuine friendships she formed with coworkers, and her faithful service to the Lord and His church. Hazel leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and caring that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Acknowledgments

The family of the late Mrs. Hazel Marie Taylor extends its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who provided love, support, encouragement, prayers, acts of kindness, and personal sacrifice throughout Hazel’s years of assisted living, hospitalizations, post-hospital care, and final journey home to the Lord.

Above all, we thank the Good Lord for surrounding Hazel and our family with people who demonstrated genuine love and compassion throughout her journey.

We are especially grateful to Educator Mrs. Lynnette Mouton, her husband, Wilford Mouton, and their children, Elise, Giuliana, and Christian; cousins Mrs. Ethel Windley and her husband, Robert; retired Army Command Sergeant Major and Jerry Taylor and his wife, Heike; former coworkers Ms. Sheila Boone, Ms. Stella Long, and Ms. Trina McLean; neighbor Mr. Carl Johnson; and the many relatives and friends whose love, prayers, and support have meant so much to our family.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated caregivers and loving staff of The Regent of Newport News, as well as Medi-Hospice nurses Tusia, Veronica, and Amy, and the many other nurses and caregivers who provided Hazel with compassionate care, comfort, dignity, and love during her final days.

Finally, the family expresses its deepest appreciation to Parklawn Wood Funeral Home for its professionalism, compassion, and gracious accommodations during this challenging time of transition.

In Lieu of Flowers

Rather than flowers, the family respectfully requests that those who wish to honor Hazel consider giving above and beyond their normal giving to their church, mission work, or charitable organization of choice.

May those acts of generosity continue the spirit of love, faith, kindness, and service that Hazel demonstrated throughout her life.

The family will receive friends for a Visitation that will be held at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Chapel, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on September 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Celebration of Life funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, in the chapel, with the Committal to conclude services at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Virginia, 23666. A light reception will follow in the Reception Hall at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home after the final dismissal.