Obituary of Hazel L. Sykes

On June 15, 2019, the prayers of our mother, Hazel L. Sykes, were answered when the Lord called her Home.

Hazel was born to the late Clara (Morgan) and Ross Frazier Sr., in Pine Bluff, AR. She was the oldest of eight children and she was preceded in death  by brothers Robert, Charles, and Ross, Jr.; sisters Ernestine and Athernett.  She is survived by sisters Lena and Harriet.

In 1929, the family moved to Howellville, PA. where Hazel joined the Second Baptist Church in Wayne, PA.  She attended and graduated from Tredyffrin-Easttown High School in Berwyn, PA.  In 1941 the family moved to Philadelphia where she met and married the late Saul Sykes.

After marriage, Hazel and Saul moved to Berlin, New Jersey where they raised three children: Vivian, Richard and Carolyn. Soon after moving to Berlin, Hazel joined the Green Grove Baptist Church.

Working and serving in the church was the core of Hazel’s long, rich life.  She was truly a servant of God.  While serving in Green Grove, she taught and mentored so many, that even now some grandmothers themselves, still talk about Mother Sykes and the impact she had on their lives.  Always willing to give a non-judgmental word of advice and encouragement to all she met.  She loved Green Grove Baptist church, her pastor and 1st lady.

Hazel’s name was well-known to so many, everywhere she went she was known and respected.  She was active in the Bethany Baptist Assoc. and held many offices while serving. Hazel Lee Sykes was the epitome of an ambassador and servant of Christ.

As well as being active in her church, Hazel was active in her community.  Participating in such organizations as the American Legion Auxiliary, and the PTA.  In1953, she worked with a group of parents, who forced the Township to obey the law, and to desegregate the schools at all grade levels. 

Later she was able to support the family working for the Philadelphia School District in Career Development Education as a Teacher's Assistant.  This job was perfect for her.  She was now teaching children and talking all day.

She dedicated her life to “letting her light shine”.  Her infectious and loving smile won the hearts of everyone she met. She taught, she counseled, she listened and she encouraged but she never interfered or judged.  She loved the Lord and her family, especially her grandchildren.

Mother Sykes leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Vivian Womack of Phoenix, AZ; Stanley "Richard" Sykes of Blackwood, NJ; Carolyn Pearson (George Jr.) of Fredericksburg, VA; her grandchildren Krista Womack, Charles Womack Jr., George Pearson III (Melissa); Jennifer Green (Joseph); Stacey Williamson (Rodney); ten great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, family and friends.