Hazel Grace Sanders

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be
born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted…
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2

The youngest of seven children, born in Johnston County, North Carolina to the late
Bannie and Martha Clark Sanders on the 24th
day of August in the year of our Lord 1937.
She passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at approximately 7:50 pm. At
an early age, she joined Johnston Piney Grove Church where her parents were members.
She served on the Missionary Circle and was a member of the Golden Agers Club up to the
time of her passing. She was a product of the former Short Journey School located on
1010 Highway that began as a one-room, one teacher frame building around 1887 to serve
the African American community in Johnston County. After receiving her high school
diploma from Johnston County Training School 1955, she enrolled at Saint Augustine's
College in Raleigh and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration with a
minor in Education. In 1961, she was crowned Saint Augustine's Queen of the Falcons. To
further her knowledge, she attended Shaw University to take courses that would enhance
her career. Her teaching career began in Saint Paul, NC in 1962. She taught for 25 years
at Clayton High School in Clayton, NC retiring to manage the family's real estate holdings.
She was truly a business woman at heart. If you don't believe it, ask some of her tenants.
She was a very fashionable lady with jewelry and hats galore. Mauve was her favorite
color. Her character traits exemplified the norm. If we were to categorize her, she would
perfectly wear the following titles: Ms. Hazel G. Sanders;
A Lady of: Distinction, Pride, Honesty, Straight Forwardness,
Respectfulness, Decision Making, and Eloquence. Her
Family Cherished her as a Special Care Giver. Hazel was
the stalwart of her family in taking care of the sick. May she
rest in peace.
She was affiliated with the following organizations:
North Carolina Association of Educators
National Education Association
Modernettes Club
National Association of University Women – Smithfield Branch
Secretary, JCTS Class of 1955
Johnston County Retired School Personnel
Preceding her in death were her parents; Bannie and Martha Sanders, brothers; Abraham
Sanders, Joe Sanders, Vance Sanders, and Venze Sanders, Sisters; Fidelia Holmes, and
Loraine Brewington, Left to cherish her memories are her nieces, nephews, cousins, and
other relatives and friends. Two very special neighbors; Freddie and Sherry Groves.




Open Casket:
Friday, March 03
1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8416

Visitation:
Saturday, March 04
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church
1691 Barber Mill Rd
Clayton, NC 27520

Funeral Service:
Saturday, March 04
11:30 AM
Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church
1691 Barber Mill Rd
Clayton, NC 27520

Interment:
Saturday March 04
Sanders Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Hwy210
Smithfield , NC 27577