Hazel O’Neal Ellis Patterson, 67, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was born January 8, 1958, in Sawyerville, Alabama, to Harry Lee and Susie Etta Ellis, and ascended to the kingdom of heaven on December 5, 2025. She was called by many names from those who loved her—Hazel, “Haze,” Grandma, and Gammy—but her most cherished name was “Mom.”
She confessed faith in Christ at an early age and joined Springfield Baptist Church in Sawyerville, Alabama. She remained at Springfield before later joining The Greater St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church. Following her move to Georgia, Hazel joined and served The Olivet Baptist Church, where she was a member for 30 years, until her passing.
Sister Patterson began her education at Sawyerville Elementary, before going on to be one of the first African American pupils to integrate Greensboro Public West—or as it was known at that time, “the white school.” Following her bold, trailblazing, and voluntary attendance at Greensboro Public West, she went on to graduate high school at Greensboro Public East. Her love for learning compelled her to attain her first degree at Judson College and go on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville State University.
Hazel began the career that she loved as a nurse at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She worked at many places, serving as Director of Nursing at Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center, and concluded her nursing career as Director of Nursing at Somerby, in Peachtree City, Georgia. She was loved by her employees, co-workers, and by those who were blessed to have her serve as their nurse. After retirement, she spent her time with her family in Georgia and Alabama, dispensing wisdom just as she had medicine amongst her patients.
Hazel was a beloved and devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, life partner, and friend. Hazel’s children enjoyed a life of love and the strong discipline that Hazel felt would provide them with comfort and support. She raised her children to lead productive and enjoyable lives.
Hazel is survived by four children: Marlon (Marcelle) Ellis, Kenyata (Jessica) Patterson, Pamela Patterson, and Judson Patterson. She was also blessed with and survived by her life partner, Dr. Marvin West; her eleven grandchildren: Sidney, Dejha, Elisha, Kayla, Michael, Judson II, Jazmyn, Jaidyn, Jezell, Jonathan, and Zayden; her four brothers and five sisters: Annie Bell (Robert) Ellis, Harry (Marilyn) Ellis, Jr., Kenneth W. (Stella) Ellis, Evelynn M. (Albert) Ellis, Timothy O. (Joanne-Deceased) Ellis, Yolando (Clayton Sr.) Taylor, Anita (Raymond) Ransom, Ellis Dedrick, and Calamity Sims; a dedicated cousin whom she loved like a brother, Hubert Winn; a nephew always willing to lend a helping hand, Clayton Taylor, Jr.; and lifelong friend and confidant, Veronica McKenzie.
Preceding her in death was her sister, Fannie Mae Dedrick. Hazel is also survived by a wealth of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly, with whom she shared a lifetime of loving adventures, joys, sorrows, and blessings.
A celebration of life service was held Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Olivet Church, 877 GA-314, Fayetteville, Georgia, with Rev. Dr. William Holmes Robinson officiating.
