Hazel Scotia James Mack, a loving sweet spirit has journeyed home at the age of 92 as a beautiful “Dove”, a name her late husband, Milton gave to her that was so befitting for the delicacy and beauty that she possessed. The last of seven children, our aunt Hazel left a legacy for us to follow with gentleness, love, and unity.
Hazel was born February 10, 1927 in Princess Anne, Maryland to the late Leonard James, Sr. and Addie Carr James and was the sixth of seven children born to them. She was educated in the Public Schools of Somerset County. After graduating from Greenwood High School in June of 1945, she attended Bowie State University. In June of 1949, Hazel received her Bachelor of Arts Degree and by September of that same year, she began her teaching career in the Howard County Public School System for twenty-seven (27) years as an Elementary School Educator. During Hazel’s teaching career, she matriculated into a graduate program within John’s Hopkins and Temple University and received a master’s Equivalency Education in teaching. She was affiliated with several organizations: The Howard County Educators Association of Retired Teachers, Maryland Retired Teachers Association, Bowie University Alumni Association, and Ladies of Charity of St. Cecilia Church in Baltimore City.
After teaching for three years, Hazel married Milton Joseph Mack in 1952 and made her home in Baltimore City for 49 years. Upon retiring from teaching, Hazel and her husband Milton spent much of their time gardening, participating in aerobic classes, Church activities, and traveling while enjoying each moment together until his death in 2001. Hazel continued to live in Baltimore City for two years but decided to return to the Eastern Shore to be close to her family and was happy to be living home again. As a child until she left for college, Hazel attended Metropolitan United Methodist Church and renewed her membership. Hazel became an active member as a Communion Steward of Metropolitan Church until she became too ill to attend.
Hazel became the Matriarch of her family and was devoted to them, especially her nieces and nephews as a “Mother” to them after they lost their parents. She had been a part of their lives from infancy to adulthood and was always there for them as well as for her father and siblings throughout their times of need. She was the one person in the family that everyone could rely upon because of her extraordinary gift of love for family, friends, and anyone she met. Hazel exemplified a life of a “servant.”
Hazel thrived on being a servant leader dedicated to empowering her family without complaining, while providing, nurturing, loving, and caring for them unconditionally. Hazel’s teaching and love for The Lord Jesus Christ will always be remembered. As an educator, she loved the children and often shared fond memories of being able to nurture so many in their early years. However, she always looked forward to spending time during the summer months in Princess Anne and Salisbury to rejuvenate her spirit. Hazel had a great personality that was joyful, and she always had a welcoming smile along with hugs and kisses. At the end of a visit, a kiss and an “I love you” was always whispered. Our Aunt Hazel was always dependable and kept her promises because she aspired to be a loving reflection of The Lord Jesus Christ.
Preceded in death were her seven siblings each of whom she missed deeply: Leonard, Jr., Harlan, Samuel, Sr. and Elwood James; Oretta Poore, Virginia Hitch, and Mary James.
Hazel leaves to cherish her memory to nephews, Charles E., Howard L., Samuel, Jr., Riley, and Woodland James; nieces, Rev. Dr. Joni Kindell, Mary Davis, Ida Bunch, Joann Doane, and Jeanette James; great-nieces, Denean Ward (Anthony, Jr.), Daphne James, Tonya Doane, Sheneva and Mikele James; great-nephews, Riley, Jr., and Samuel James, III; great-great niece, Jaina Edmond (Ben); great-grandnephew, Oliver Edmond; a special in-law, Mary Evelyn Collins; and one dear friend of the family, Robert Jackson and a hosts of other relatives and friends.
Our hearts are heavy and there are no words to express how much we are feeling the loss of you, but we are comforted knowing that you are in the presence of God.
A funeral service will held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 30522 William P. Hytche Blvd., Princess Anne, MD with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6:00 -8:00 PM Friday, August 16, 2019 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.
