Hazel M. Pierce

Hazel M. Pierce completed her earthly journey on Friday, June 30, 2023. She was born on July 22, 1942, in Waverly, Virginia to the late Avis L. Bailey and John W. Bailey. Hazel was the eleventh of fifteen children and graduated from L.P. Jackson High School in 1962. Hazel married James H. Pierce who remained her best friend and partner for over 43 years. James preceded her in death in 2007.

At an early age, Hazel accepted Christ as her personal Savior and even though they transferred to many states over the years, she was always a faithful member of each church they joined, the last being Temple Church in Nashville. At Temple, Hazel was a deaconess, and participated in several ministries, including the James and Hazel Pierce Charity Golf Tournament held in Nashville.

Hazel began her career working in medical records with Blue Cross Blue Shield and retired in 1998 from Vanderbilt Hospital. She was a devoted wife, and a strong supporter of Jim’s career. In addition, she was an entrepreneur for many years, selling fashionable clothing, which was her lifelong interest. This allowed her the flexibility to care for her family and maintain a career while moving to different cities.

Hazel was a servant of the Lord. She had a passion for caring for the sick and shut-in. She performed countless acts of kindness to friends, family and strangers alike. If anyone she knew became sick, she did not hesitate to make a meal, run an errand, or stop what she was doing to simply sit bedside and tend to every need. She continued to support the MARCH Foundation (Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope), an organization that Jim was one of the founders of, with the purpose of funding the education of African American youth. Hazel was a philanthropist who supported many organizations and students and their pursuit of higher education.

While Hazel’s primary focus was her love for the Lord, her love for Jim, and creating a family legacy rooted in Christ, she had one main hobby that occupied her time: shopping and looking glamorous. After retirement, Hazel could often be found at a variety of shopping centers and boutiques with her sisters and/or girlfriends looking for the latest fashion trend. Hazel concluded her life just as she conducted it: with written prayers, the Word of God, determination and grace.

Celebrating the blessings of having been a part of her life are her two loving daughters, Monica(Wayne) Myers of Santa Rosa Beach, Fl, and LaShawn(Conrad) Givers, Milton, Ga; five caring grandchildren, Myles Pierce Myers, Donovan Wayne Myers, Gabrielle Faith Givers, Amari Hope Givers, Conrad James Givers; siblings Alvinia Thomas, Preston Bailey, and Henderson Bailey; sister-in-law, Gerline Bailey; brother-in-laws, Willie Thomas, George Lyttle, and John Pierce; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

*Hazel’s youngest sister, Ola Rice, also went home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2023. Please keep the Pierce family in your thoughts and prayers.

For family and friends unable to attend the service it will be live streamed on FaceBook at lewis-wrightfd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/site/Donation

and/or

the MARCH Foundation https://marchfoundation.org/donate/