Hazel V. Woodard, 79, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 13, 2023. She passed away with her loving husband of twenty-six years and her granddaughter, Jace Harris, by her side.

Hazel was born in Newport News, Virginia on November 16, 1943, to the late James Owsley and Rachel Owsley. She was a resident of Yorktown, Virginia where she lived with her husband of twenty-six years, whom she referred to as wonderful. Hazel was a faithful member of Liberty Live Church (Liberty Baptist Church), where she previously served in the children’s Kidville area and on the baptism team for special events. She was also a member of the Peninsula bicycle association where she helped with registration set up at special events. Hazel loved hosting the annual Valentine’s dinner each year at Al Fresco restaurant in which she always gave each of the ladies a rose. She retired from Riverside Hospital as a certified coding specialist, and earlier in life worked as a hairdresser in Gloucester County.

Hazel will be greatly missed by many and remembered for her great love for everyone. She has left a hole in our hearts, but we will fill them with all of the wonderful memories that we have of her. We will also fill the hole in our hearts with the love she poured out to everybody else and pour that back out to everyone we meet, just as she did.

Hazel was one of the most loving, caring, giving, and cheerful people you could ever meet. Some friends said that she was like a second mother to them. Her husband recalled stating that he could not comprehend the depth of her love for him, but he was so thankful that he had the privilege and honor to receive her love that he didn’t deserve. She truly had a Christ-like love for everyone and did not hesitate to make friends with anyone she met. Hazel was a very loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her husband used to joke that if they ever got a divorce that his family would keep her and get rid of him. That’s just how special she was and still is to all who ever met her and knew her. Everyone who met Hazel walked away a better person. Hazel was at peace in our life because she knew Christ Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

She was not afraid to go home to be with the Lord. The last thing she said to her husband was “Please let me go”, so she was ready and willing to go home to be with Lord, and his last words to her were,” It’s ok God needs you more than I do.” Her husband stated that God blessed him by allowing him to kiss her one last time at the exact moment her heart stopped beating. There was no greater honor and privilege than to be her husband, she deserves the best and he gave her his best. What a great privilege it was to have Hazel be a part of your life.

Hazel’s spirit now rejoices in heaven with all of those who preceded her in death; her parents, James and Rachel Owsley; her in-laws, William and Mecie Woodard; her brother Harold Owsley; her sister-in-law, Darlene Owsley; nephew, Ricky Clifton; nieces Rachel Rippy and Adalyn Killingbeck.

She is survived by her loving husband, Anthony M. Woodard; brother, Gordon Owsley (Betty); sister, Geneva Matteis (Dick); sister-in-law Pat Owsley, wife of the late Harold Owsley; son, Brian Haywood; grandsons, Brian, Jr., and Eugene; granddaughter, Jace Harris (Kenneth); great-grandson, Sebastian, whom she called her Prince; great-granddaughter Trinity, whom she called her Princess; and many other nephews and nieces.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Liberty Live Church (Liberty Baptist Church), 1021 Big Bethel Rd., Hampton, VA 23666, presided by Pastor Joe Hunt. A visitation will follow from 12 noon to 1:30 pm.

After the service, Hazel’s body will be cremated and interred at Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery later.

Memorial donations may be made to the Liberty Mission for furthering the outreach of her Lord and Savior or to any one of your favorite charities.

Every night Hazel and her husband would close their evening together by reciting Psalm 4:8; I will lay me down in both peace and sleep for thou Lord only maketh me to dwell in safety. Amen, Sweet dreams my love from your loving husband RHSM.