Hazel Williamson Moses

Our mother, Hazel Marie Williamson Moses, passed away Saturday, January 30th, and with her passing during the pandemic, we wanted to share our tribute to Hazel with loved ones who won’t be able to gather to celebrate her life.

Hazel was born May 3, 1928 in Durham, NC to Arthur D. Williamson and Leah R. Williamson. She graduated from Durham High School and went on to receive a degree in Home Economics from Meredith College, aka The Angel Farm. Hazel and Harold met on a blind date during that time and were married August 19, 1950.

When Harold joined the faculty at NC State in 1964, our family moved from Durham to Raleigh. Hazel enjoyed decorating our new home, using all her domestic skills gained from her years at Meredith. She was a meticulous seamstress and loved staying up half the night creating beautiful outfits for us. She took great pride and joy making custom draperies, which were still beautiful after 20+ years. When we were learning to sew, Hazel would critique our efforts and most often, we ended up taking out a zipper or a seam that did not pass her high standards. We both learned to finish what we started and always do a good job.

Mingle dingle was a favorite phrase of Hazel’s used mostly to describe letting the flavors of homemade pimiento cheese meld (HINT: adding a teaspoon of cider vinegar was her secret ingredient) for at least 24 hours before eating to experience the full goodness. Good things are worth waiting for.

Hazel managed the household finances and acted as the property manager for several rentals we owned. She always stressed to us the importance of having our own money and how to responsibly manage and grow it while sharing with those less fortunate.

Hazel was socially engaged, both as a volunteer at her church, Raleigh Moravian, and in the Home Economics club she joined when we moved to Raleigh. Hazel was also civic-minded, always voting and encouraging us from an early age to study the candidates and make an informed decision. If you don’t vote, she’d tell us, you can’t complain!

She loved travelling and we spent many happy days camping as a family. Hazel also enjoyed foreign travel and many of her most memorable trips were with best friends, Jack and Joy. In later years, she and Harold bought a cabin in Ashe County. Our family would spend time at Moses Mound enjoying the beauty of the mountains, a splash of wine or two, many fond memories, all punctuated with belly laughs.

Hazel moved to Cadence North Raleigh in 2017. The staff and residents became her family and friends. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shawn Cothran, Executive Director, and all the staff for treating our mother with such love, kindness and respect.

Hazel taught us valuable lessons, including the importance of family and traditions, which still guide us through life. But more importantly, she taught us how to move in the world with kindness and grace. Our guiding light will be sorely missed.

Hazel is survived by daughters Judy Babb of Hendersonville, NC and Jan Moses and husband Barry Scott of Zebulon, NC. Also surviving are nieces, Mary Herzik of Reno, NV and Ginger Black of Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 11am at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham. Face coverings and social distancing are required for those attending.

Memorial contributions can be made to Raleigh Moravian Church, 1816 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 and Heartland Hospice, 4505 Falls of Neuse Rd, Suite 650, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.