Life Story
Eloise Merritt Hazzard
1943 - 2021
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
~John 3:16

Eloise Merritt Hazzard was the younger daughter born to Julia Mae Robinson and Willie James Merritt in Quitman, GA, on December 18, 1943. The family later moved to Waycross, GA. During her early years, Eloise was no stranger to hard work, for she had to work in tobacco and cotton fields to help her parents support their family. For this reason, she had to forfeit any chance for formal education beyond fifth grade. However, because she learned the basics in school she taught herself how to survive.

Eloise married her hometown sweetheart, Joseph James Hazzard, in Mobile, Alabama but returned to Georgia to live. After their family began to increase she and the children relocated to Lockport, NY, but in 1979 Eloise moved the family to Madison, FL. However, determined to have better opportunities for her young family, she made the decision for them to return to New York where many of her children continue to reside. Eloise made her final move back to Madison seven years ago because of her failing health and the concern of her god son Collin.

Eloise was a compassionate person who did not mind helping her fellow man. Although she had a large family, she always made room for the friends of her children and became their "Neighborhood Mother". She was known to create a space for those who did not have a place to live. This included her also being a caregiver for many children in foster care until they were officially assigned to foster homes. Additionally, when she cooked her delicious meals, there was always enough food to share with those without. She will forever be remembered for her generosity and for these acts of kindness.

Long after her return to Madison, Eloise stayed connected with her church in Lockport. She occasionally attended Pineland Missionary Baptist Church, but a few years ago under the leadership of Pastor O'Hara Black, she made the decision to make Pineland her church home.

God saw that Eloise's body was getting tired of this earthly life, so on Friday evening, January 22, 2021, He selected another flower for His heavenly garden. He knows that while she will surely be missed, she will be heaven's gain.

Preceding her in death were her parents and sister, Lillian Gee.

Mourning her passing while forever cherishing her memory are her children: Jimmy Lee Monson, Joyce (Kent) Hazzard, Cynthia Hazzard, Carolyn (Bud) Hazzard, and Joann Hills all of Madison, FL, Joseph Hazzard, Christopher Hazard, Moses Hazzard, and Patricia (Dean) Grant all of New York; 25 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; nephew as a brother, Thomas Gee of Madison, FL; a special niece, Valerie Gee of Douglas, GA; godchildren, Chaniya Thomas and Tykeria Beasley, both of Madison, FL; and many other loving but sorrowing relatives and friends.