Hazel Ellen Francis was born on March 7, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA. She was the middle child born to the late Matthew Reid Francis and Leola Priscilla Latimer Francis. The family moved to Whitesboro, NJ in 1942 for a short time. Her family roots were planted on Indian Trail in Cape May Court House. Hazel attended First Baptist Church of Whitesboro, NJ where she was baptized at an early age. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1963. She moved to Keyport, NJ for her 1st teaching job through the Board of Education in Hazlet. She later earned a Masters Degree in the Art of Education from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ in 1978. She taught in Hazlet, NJ for 31 years until her retirement in 1994.
On July 2, 1966, she married the late Calvin Lawson, Sr. until his passing on December 2, 2019. Together they raised their only child, Calvin Lawson, Jr. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, bowling and working on her puzzle books.
Hazel received many awards and certificates for her outstanding service. She was a faithful leader at Second Baptist Church of Keyport, NJ. Hazel started the Christian Board of Education and faithful member of the Summer Assembly. She was instrumental in teaching young people how to conduct church service. She worked faithfully under Rev. Hunter in different departments. In the absence of a pastor, Hazel was a leader in keeping the church afloat. She served as Deaconess over 25 plus years. She was Missionary, President & Director of the Women’s Ministry. She was a Superintendent of the Second Baptist Keyport Church School (teachers, nursery, kindergarten & teen classes). She has organized bowling outings, lock-ins with other churches, children’s day, Black History Day & annual Easter & Christmas Programs. Deaconess Hazel is a life-long student of the bible and was well versed in scriptures. Her knowledge of the Lord’s Word was an asset & blessing.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Hazel leaves to cherish her memory a loving son, Calvin (CJ) Lawson, daughter-in law Arlette; grandchildren, Constance Fields (DeAndre) of Grayson, GA, Blaise Lawson, Blaire Lawson and Brycen Lawson (all of Winter Park, FL); great grandchildren, Kayla and Darren Fields (Grayson, GA); sisters, Leola Francis, Rhoda Williams (Roy), Juanita Preston (Robert); brothers, James Francis (Sharon), Peter Francis (Agapita), Joseph Francis (Betty); sisters-in-law, Peggy Anne Burton, Natalie Smith (Cedric), Faye Lawson (Winston), Althea Lawson (Frank); brothers-in-law, Benjamin E. Lawson, James L. Lawson, Steven S. Lawson (Charlene), Edmond D. Lawson and many nieces and nephews and a host of other beloved relatives and friends.
