Hazel Pauline Willard Johnson

RALEIGH – Hazel Pauline Willard Johnson, 85, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Hazel was born in Bassett, Virginia on April 29, 1935 to the late Jonah “Bush” Willard and Elizabeth Batts “Granny” Willard. In her earlier years, Hazel worked in a local orphanage, and later as a nurse’s assistant. Throughout her life, Hazel was always a good babysitter. Perhaps it was because of her genuine maternal nature, her unconditional love, and her willingness to be a mother (or grandmother) to anyone in need. A woman of God, Hazel was a faithful member of West Clayton Church of God until her health declined. She loved her Sunday School class and was continually active in the church’s card ministry. Most can recall a birthday or anniversary did not go by without a card from Hazel. Her warm smile and hugs will be greatly missed by her family in the days ahead. In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, William H. “Bill” Johnson, who passed away on August 6, 2020; a son, John Robert Cox, III; a sister, Edith Moore; and a brother, Carroll C. Willard. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Dreama Gail Cox Laughon of Hurt, Virginia; son, Jerald Benjamin “Ben” Johnson and wife, Karen of Wendell; daughter-in-law, Cathy Cox of Hillsborough; grandchildren, Scott, Raven, Colt, Leann, and Jonah “Jonah-Bug;” along with several great-grandchildren, extended family, church family, and friends. Hazel will lie in state at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, located at 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, on Sunday, August 30, 2020 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm for those who wish to pay their respects and sign the guest register. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 11:00 am. The burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh. Due to Covid-19, face masks or coverings are required, and common social distancing procedures will be observed at the funeral home and cemetery. Flowers are welcome, or in lieu memorial contributions may be made in Hazel’s memory to West Clayton Church of God, P.O. Box 777, Clayton, NC 27528. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com