Passed away July25th, 2020 at 94 years old. Born June 11, 1926 in Lexington, Mississippi. In 1948, she relocated to Las Vegas by way of Chicago, Illinois where she married Johnus Geran. Over a 70 plus year span, she was an advocate for change and a pillar of strength within her historical community, the Westside. Her tireless efforts and willingness to give to those with “no voice” was honored by United States political leaders, former governors and mayors, national Black sororities and fraternities, and non-profit organizations. Up until her last day on earth, friends and acquaintances never hesitated to call to simply say Thank You.
In 1965, she became a volunteer with the “Madison Mothers” at Madison Elementary School (now Wendell P. Williams) worked with the Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County’s Neighborhood Council program, and in 1972, joined EOB’s Family Planning team. One year later, she became the EOB Senior Center’s program director (now Martin Luther King Senior Center) and was the first african-american in the State of Nevada to hold that position. On December 20, 2007, the MLK Senior Center officially named the multi-purpose room the “Hazel Geran Community Room.”
Hazel served on the Clark County Senior Advisory Council, the City of Las Vegas Senior Advisory Council, Habitat for Humanity Selection Board, the West Las Vegas Neighborhood Executive Council Board, and was the President of AARP Chapter 308. Of all of her many accomplishments, she was most proud of playing a major role in the dedication and naming of the Ethel Pearson Park-her surrogate mom, for establishing a hot food program within the Westside schools-later adopted by the Clark County School District. Also the "D" Street opening during the I-15 Construction. She received the Key to the City of Las Vegas on January 31, 2003-officially proclaimed Hazel Geran Day.
Hazel Geran was preceded in death by husband, Johnus; sons Frederick and Franklyn . Brothers Erwin, Earl, and Louis. She leaves to celebrate her homegoing: daughters, Dedra and Trish and son, John. Grand daughter Brittany (Andre) Cammon of Okinawa, Japan. Sister Mattie Donnell of Benton, MS; brothers Homer of Chicago, IL, Elmer of Memphis, TN, and Donnie of Jackson, MS; Cousin Benny(Stephanie) Rose. god-children, Celeste Kirk, Ann Mosley, Michael Stewart, and Alfred Givens, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and her beloved St. James Catholic Church family.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 3rd, 2020 2-4pm at Palm Mortuary-Downtown located at 1325 North Main Street, Committal will be held Tuesday, August 4th at 9am.
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