Hazel McGhee – Gibson

Hazel McGhee-Gibson was born on May 1, 1945, in Nitta Yuma, Mississippi, to
the proud parents of Henry Williams and Ozella Jones. During her early
childhood, Hazel was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Eva Jones, and her
aunt, Atlean Luke. She attended Julia L. Armstrong Elementary School until
the age of 12, when she relocated to Chicago. Illinois. There, she continued her
education at Farragut High School, where she would eventually meet her first
husband.

At an early age, Hazel accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and
attended Antioch Church in Chicago, Illinois. Her faith became an important
part of her life’s journey.

In 1961, at the young age of 16, Hazel united in marriage with Eugene McGhee.
From this union, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Dannie and
Denise, who brought great joy and meaning to her life.

Hazel was a woman of remarkable strength, determination, and ambition. She
believed in the value of hard work and was never afraid to pursue new
opportunities. Throughout her life, she demonstrated an independent and
entrepreneurial spirit. She began her professional journey working for Zeith,
Western Electric and Hammond Organ before venturing into business
ownership. Together with Eugene, she established a hair salon and Metal
Finishing Company, showcasing her dedication, talent, and drive to succeed.
Following the end of her first marriage, Hazel embraced a new chapter in her
life and relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she planted new roots and
made a home for herself. It was there that she continued building a life filled
with purpose, independence. and new beginnings.

Hazel later found love again and united in marriage with Delbert Gibson. Their
marriage marked another meaningful chapter in her life’s journey.

With a natural talent and passion for hairstyling, Hazel opened another hair
salon in Indianapolis. She took great pride in her work and enjoyed helping
others look and feel their best. Her creativity, dedication, and love for beauty
were reflected in everything she did. After many years in the beauty industry,
Hazel decided to explore a different career path and became employed at
Diamond Chain in Indianapolis, where she worked for several years before
enjoying her well-deserved retirement.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Hazel was a woman who truly knew how
to enjoy life. She had a wonderful sense of style and a love for fashion. She
enjoyed getting dressed up, dancing. playing bingo, playing bid wiz and
trying her luck at the slot machines. Hazel appreciated life’s simple pleasures,
especially spending quality time with the people she loved most.

Family was always at the heart of Hazel’s life. She believed in the importance of staying connected. Hazel faithfully attended the annual family reunions, rarely missing an opportunity to celebrate the special bond she shared with her family. She also took great pride in hosting several family reunions herself, making sure everyone came together to enjoy good food, laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.

Above all, Hazel treasured her family. The memories she created, the love she shared, and the lessons she passed down will remain in the hearts of her loved ones for generations to come. Her life was a beautiful reflection of perseverance, courage, independence, and love.

Hazel was preceded in death by her father. Henry Williams; mother, Ozella
Thomas-Cosey; husband, Delbert Gibson; son, Dannie McGhee; sisters,
Evalee Thomas and Beatrice Jackson; and brothers, Jimmie Thomas, Bobbie
Thomas, David Thomas, K.C. Thomas, J.B. Thomas, Lewis Williams, Ronnie
Williams; and a special friend David Campbell.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory and celebrate her beautiful life: her daughter, Denise McGhee; grandchild, Erika Norwood; great-
grandchildren, Jamauri Rowe and Jariel Rowe; great-great-grandchild, Khalani Barber-Rowe.

She also leaves behind her sisters, Joyce Shorter (Orlando), Atlean Thomas (Marvin), Ernestine Bonds, and Estella Williams; and brothers, Sylvester Thomas (Mary), William Thomas (Daisy), Gene Thomas (Veronica), Ronnie Thomas (RubyStein), Sam Williams (Shirley), Henry Williams Jr. (Kathy), Frankie Williams (Juanita), and Sunnie Williams (Debbie); sister-in-laws,- Louise Thomas and Diane Hoggan along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Visitation for Hazel will be Friday, October 16 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.  Her wake will be Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  Her Homecoming will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.  Burial  will be at New Crown Cemetery.

To view Hazel’s Homecoming please visit https://www.youtube.com/live/0JMUBdDZh2g?feature=shared  

Although Hazel’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love she gave, the strength she displayed, and the memories she created will live on forever.