JJ 1 Homegoing Services For Miss Hazei D. Benjamin December 23,1918 - October 5,2006 Saturday, October 14, 2006 12:00 P.M. St. John Missionary Baptist Church Claxton, Georgia Rev. John L. Leggett, Pastor Rev. Clarence Williams, Eulogist Interment: Hagan Cemetery Obituary and Life of Hazel Dixon Benjamin On Thursday, October 5, 2006, the Father came to receive His daughter. Hazel Dixon Benjamin, into His loving arms for well- earned eternal rest. She peacefully made her transition into Life Everlasting". Hazel was born on December 23, 1918 in Claxton, Georgia to the late Cordia jackson Dixon Benjamin and Palmer Dixon. She was later adopted hy her step-father, the late Leo Benjamin. She ac- Quired her early education in the public schools of Claxton. Hazel attended Fort Valley State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a Master of Science degree in Elementaiy Education. On August 3, 1943, Hazel received an Honorable Discharge from the Army of the United States WAC (Women Armed Corp.). She held a dedicated and distinguished career in education as an ele- mentaiy fourth grade teacher for thirty-fouryears in the Evans County School System. She later returned to the classroom, solely as a sub- stitute teacher. After her confinement, she continued to focus on the education of children. She became instrumental in tutoring children at her home. She joined St. john Missionaiy Baptist Church at an early age. Her faith and love of God was manifested through her work in the church and community. She served faithfuljy in numerous capaci- ties until her health prevented her from doing so. She was a faithful supporter in the activities of the church such as, The Easter Pro- gram, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Bible Study, etc. She was a longtime member of the Georgia Retired Educa- tors Association and the Rosebud Garden Club. In 1982, she re- ceived the Maggie F. Bailey Youth Department Award from the Gladiators, Inc. She received a Certificate of Appreciation for Excel- lence in Humanitarian Service form the Gladiettes. In 1995, she was awarded the Georgia Retired Educators Association Outstanding Educators Award from the Biyan/Evans Chapter and in 2002, Hazel was presented The Evans County Association Pioneer Award. She was a very proud person of her heritage, her faith, and she loved to help others. She was a blessing to her family through her testament of stewardship in service for the Lord. She was the guardian Mother of many loved ones during her lifetime. Preceding her in death were three niece/daughters: Hazel Lajuan joiner, Glenda Benjamin Williams, and Bernita Baker Porter. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: Three Niece/ Daughters: Cordia (Roscoe) Smith of Claxton, Georgia, Sarah (Richard) Hunt of Macon, Georgia, and Luretha McDonald of Brook- lyn, New York; one Sister-In-Law: Tholia Benjamin of Claxton, Geor- gia: One Brother-In-Law: William Earl joiner of Metter, Georgia; Faithful Grandchildren: Kevin Benjamin, Melvin Benjamin, Lajuanda Benjamin, Chaunte Smith, Roscoe Smith III, Ronnie Williams, Bar- rington Smith, jachondra Williams, Rodney Williams, Chanel Smith, Patrice Williams, and Kabrena Benjamin; two Goddaughters: Zenobia Mikell Woods and Renee Baker, both of Claxton, Georgia; two life- long friends, Lillie Weaver of Warner Robins, Georgia and Eddie C. Williams of Claxton, Georgia; many loving cousins, nieces, and neph- ews, grandchildren, great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of other caring relatives and friends. Order of Service Rev. John L. Leggett. Presiding Processional (Soft Music) Invocation....................Dr. L. Perry McNeal Selection...................................Choir Scripture: Old Testament.........Rev. Donnell Benjamin New Testament...Rev. Stanford L. Anderson, I Solo..........................Dea. Kelly Mincey Tributes (Two Minute Limit, Please) Presentations.................Mrs. Mamie Moore Dr. Charles Ellis, Jr. Solo........................Rev. Richard Hunt, Jr. Obituary (Read Silently To Soft Music) Acknowledgements..............Mrs. Catherine Jones Selection...................................Choir Eulogy.............Rev. Clarence Teddy Williams Recessional Interment: Hagan Cemetery The family will receive friends and share repast in the Fellowship Hall of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Psalms 23 The Lord is rny shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters: He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness For his names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley Of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me In the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil: ^ My cup runneth over. Surejy goodness and mercy shall follow me. All the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Honorary Pallbearers Deacons and Members of St. John M.B. Church Students of Evans County High School Active Pallbearers Mr. Kenneth McFadden Dea. Adolphus Oglesby Mr. Ernest Bennett Dea. Jewell Jones Mr. Lee Artis Martin Mr. Randy Mincey Councilman Jerome Woody Floral Attendants Nieces, Cousins, and Friends Acknowledgement Perhaps you sent a lovely card. Or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a flower. If so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words. As any friend could say; Perhaps you were not there at all. Just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts. We thank you so much, whatever the part. The Family Professional Services Entrusted To: Harpers Funeral Home 125 North Broad Street Juanita B. Hodges Owner Percy Hodges Mortician Ylonne Hodges Mortician Claxton, Georgia 30417 912-739-2658 Yvonne Hodges Manager Jerry Gibson Mortician Evangelist Brenda Hagan Lovett Grief Counselor