Hazel Jones

Hazel Clayton, the fifth child of six children was extraordinarily gifted in, well, everything as she would tell you. Growing up in Leary, she went on to graduate from Hooks Colored High School where the voices of The Clayton Sisters rang out across the schoolyard winning competition after another. While the beautiful voices traveled with their father Rev. Clayton to churches he pastored, she and her sisters sang to the power of God. Hazel accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age.

Hazel married Morris Nettles, Sr. in 1951 and to this union two sons were born: Morris Nettles, Jr., January 26, 1952, and David Louis Nettles, August 10, 1953. The family moved to Santa Monica, California and settled in Venice, California by 1955. She united with the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of her father, Rev. L.C. Clayton, organized in 1961. She was active in the church where she sang in the choir and continued to tour with The Clayton Sisters at various programs throughout the Westside and surrounding counties. She worked as a PBX Operator with Teledyne in Marina Del Rey, CA.

On September 7, 1968, she married the love of her life, Rev. Louis M. Jones, Sr. and to this union, two children were born: Sharon LaTisha Jones Jackson, September 5, 1969; and Louis M. Jones, Jr., February 6, 1972.

Hazel loved the Lord and in Him put her faith and trust. She was a testament to His mercy and goodness. She exalted Him in praise through song and often received requests to sing. Hazel would sing anywhere, anytime. She was active in the church working on most committees as a first lady at New Congregational Missionary Baptist Church (Los Angeles, CA) and for years at Friendship, MBC chaired the annual picnic that brought new and current members together to fellowship. Her infectious laughter caused others to laugh just hearing it. Her smile lit up a room and anyone in it. Her sense of humor was legendary. Before her transition, she sang for her daughter, granddaughter - Saemone, and son-in-law James, “Without God” one of her most favorite songs to sing. In 1972 at 9 months pregnant with Sporty she recorded, “Only What you Do for Christ will Last,” at the behest of Rev. Jones. Her competitive spirit and relentless ability to be the best version of herself always stood out. Her keen eye for detail and knowing when something stood out, was different, changed or brand new was spot on and will be missed.

On October 28, 2023, the Lord called His good and faithful servant home. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, 2 Corinthians 5:8. She is singing and praising God. Hazel is mourned by her three children: David Nettles (Vitula Nettles d.2015) of Moreno Valley, CA; Sharon Jones Jackson (James Jackson) of Las Vegas, NV; and Louis M. Jones, Jr. (Sporty) of Venice, CA. Her eldest child, Morris Nettles, Jr. of Venice, CA, preceded her in death. Hazel’s seven grandchildren mourn her: Darnell Nettles (Moreno Valley, CA), Natasha Harper (Arlington, TX), Lonnell Nettles (Moreno Valley, CA), Saemone Griffin (Las Vegas, NV), Joseph Nettles (Moreno Valley, CA), Jalen Jones, and Jordan Jones (Venice, CA); as well as eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Her older sister Rosie Lee Lodge of Venice, California mourns her passing along with Ora Mae Shelton of Lancaster, TX. Her four siblings preceded her in death: Johnny Lee Clayton (Los Angeles, CA), Jorie Mae Epps (Venice, CA), Bernice Carson (Venice, CA), and Beatrice West (Los Angeles, CA). She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who love her so.

We will miss you, Queen. You are forever the Queen of Venice and Las Vegas. We love you.