Hazel Delores Nalls was born on October 17, 1930, in El Dorado, Arkansas to the proud parents of Charles Abraham and Mattie R. Scales. She was the youngest of (3) siblings, Eleanor Scott (oldest) and Mae Ruth Jackson (middle), who both preceded her in death.

Hazel was a remarkable woman and it showed in everything she did. She always had a gentle touch and a kind word. She was baptized at Snow Hill Baptist Church and accepted Christ at an early age. Hazel was a woman full of faith and her trust in God was unwavering. The foundational Scripture that anchored her life was Proverbs 3:5-6.

In her early years, Hazel grew up on a farm and was a hard worker. She attended Arkansas public schools where she excelled in her subjects and received high marks. Hazel later moved to California where she attended and graduated from Alemda High School in 1948.

In 1950, Hazel married William Bennett who preceded her in death. She continued her education and in 1954, she attended nursing school where she earned her degree as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 1960.

Later, Hazel moved to Detroit, where she fell in love with her lifelong partner, Elwood C. Nalls, who preceded her in death and were married on June 21, 1966. She was employed by Wayne County General Hospital as an LPN for 25 years and retired in 1988.

Hazel loved the Lord, and she went to church every Wednesday and Sunday. She let her light shine by putting others before herself.

She also lived her life by the "golden rule" found in Luke 6:31, treat others just as you want to be treated.

For example, she opened her home to Pistis Bible School students who were new to the Detroit area and to others who needed a temporary place to live while looking for a permanent place to live. She also opened her home as service to her church to host Touch Group meetings frequently.

Hazel's love and compassion was also evident in her role as a caregiver. She enjoyed making others comfortable in any way she could. She provided transportation to and from doctor's appointments, she provided company for the lonely, and whatever her hands found to do.

Hazel loved to be around friends and family which was a big part of her life. Her friends were drawn to her laid back and quiet personality. She was a good listener and slow to speak which was much appreciated by her friends. She also enjoyed the simple things in life such as a day of shopping with "the girls", good food, peppermint candy, a good game of spades or rummy, and a good movie. Hazel's passion was her grandchildren. She loved to babysit and was affectionately known as "Grandie Ma" and in her eyes they could do no wrong. Those precious memories will always be cherished.

On December 4, 2024, at the age of 94, Hazel went home to be with the Lord. She was loved by all, and words cannot express how deeply she will be missed.

Hazel leaves behind to rejoice and cherish her memory: her (7) children, Gregory Bennett who preceded her in death (Hasmik), Cheryl Bennett, Regina Cannon, Robin Nalls who preceded her in death, Penelope Bolling, Marilyn (Carleton) Comer, Angela (Duane) Moore; her (2) step-sons, Richard (Donna) Nalls and Ronnie (Jacqueline) Nalls; (12) grandchildren, Daniel, Jesse, Cecilia, Jeremiah, Sean, Gyasi, Malik, Goddess, Mesha, Alexander, Eden, Avory; (7) great grandchildren; Amber, Kayley, Jaleel, Gianna, Amarii, Gyasi "Junie", Ayden, a host of relatives and friends which also include Vissie Gillings, Thelma Marie Landers, Renee Hollis, James Bluford, McArthur Hill, Naomi Haper (caregiver) and especially her dearest friend of (25) years, Rosa Lee Campbell who preceded her in death.

What is a Mom?
A mom is one of life's best gifts,
Someone to treasure all life through,
She's caring and loving, Thoughtful and true,
Someone who is always a special part of your life,
Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,
She's a mentor, a confident and also a friend,
Someone on whose love you can depend.
A mom always has your best interests at heart,
She's someone so dear and so good,
She's a blessing, she's a gift,
She's a treasure like no other,
She's someone that is truly wonderful.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do,
A mom's love will always see you through,
A mom is truly invaluable, Indispensable and unforgettable.
I wouldn't want anyone but you,
And that's why I'm so grateful, that life picked you for me.
-Author unknown