Hazel Hill Wright | July 1, 1920-July 22, 2015

Hazel Hill Crocker Wright

Born: July 1, 1920 Johnston, NC
Died: July 22, 2015
Buried: Friendship Free Will Baptist Church, Johnston, NC
Married: Leonard Grey Crocker on Oct. 9, 1937, in Micro Township, Johnston, NC
Married: Leon "Shine" Massey Wright on June 7, 1947, in Emporia, Greensville, VA

Hazel Hill Crocker Wright, Tempy Ann Branch was born July 1, 1920, to Millard and Zilphia Stancil Hill of Johnston County, North Carolina.

Hazel is the second daughter and third child of Millard and Zilphia Stancil Hill. She delivered by Aunt Topsey Richardson, on July 1, 1920. Aunt Topsey was a mid-wife who delivered many babies in the community.

Hazel had an older brother, Vernon Fletcher “Jim,” older sister Mavis Cassandra, younger sisters Beatrice “Bea” LaRue and Virginia Eloise.

As a child, Hazel remembered having the chicken pox twice. At home her job was to work in the kitchen, helping her mama cook. After supper, Hazel and younger sister, Bea, washed, dried the dishes and put them away in the pantry.

Once Hazel snuck some of Zilphia's, Gail & Ax snuff. She turned green and began throwing up. This ended her dipping!

Hazel grew up riding in a Model T Ford. Her Pa picked up Uncle Harvey for the 1923 Stancil Reunion. Zilphia dressed Mavis and Hazel in yellow dotted Swiss dresses she made and trimmed in white lace. When they arrived at the reunion, at the original John Thomas Homestead, then the George Ira Place, Harvey lifted Mavis and Hazel out of the car, one in each hand.

Hazel was just 6 when neighbor Walter Boykin gave Millard a jug of 100% pure corn liquor. No sure what it was, Hazel was curious and dared to take a slip, before spitting it out and making a face!

Hazel began school at Moore School House at Moore's Crossroads which was the hub of the neighborhood. The school was a one mile walk from home. Later she rode a bus to Glendale School.

Hazel grew up working hard, especially in planting, harvesting, getting tobacco ready for market. This was the major money crop. She helped work in the garden and preserve food. Hazel grew up before there was electricity, running water, indoor plumbing. She learned to cook on a wood stove and put butter and milk in the well to keep cool. She also helped with hand quilting the pieced quilts that had cotton placed between the layers for warmth.

Hazel was so very smart that her pa often remarked that she reminded him of his younger brother, Resley.

On Oct. 9, 1937, 17-year-old Hazel, was married to 21-year-old Leonard Grey Crocker by Justice of the Peace, Preston Monsingo, in Micro, Johnston County, NC. Witnesses were Lucile and Irving Crocker and C.W. Pearce. They moved into a rental house near Millard and Zilphia.

Hazel and Leonard had one daughter, Judith Laverne. Hazel and Leonard divorced soon afterwards. Hazel and Laverne stayed with Zilphia and Millard.

Hazel had a good sense of rhythm and was a very good dance. She loved to jitterbug and once said, “If the right tune comes along, I might try it again!”

Hazel was introduced to “Shine” aka Leon Massey Wright, a local farmer, by her first cousin Glady Ruth Hill, Uncle Moses' daughter. Glady had married Vernon Brunell Wright back in 1942 and “Shine” was his youngest brother.

Hazel married “Shine” on June 7, 1947, in Emporia, Virginia. He was the son of Maggie Corbett and Valmore Wright. Laverne begged to remain with her grandparents. Finally they all agreed she could. Hazel and Shine had four sons; Leon Wayne, Linwood Massey, Donald Ray and Gregory Hill.

Hazel and Shine's mode of transportation was mules and wagon. In 1949, they bought Mavis and Narvin's old Chevrolet. They were proud to have a car. Life on the farm was tough. There was never enough money or time. Hazel grew up working hard on the farm and kept it up.

In the 1950s, Hazel and Shine were asked to drive their mules and wagon to Smithfield to use in a wedding. This unique and memorable wedding used tobacco blossoms for all the bouquets.

Hazel worked in the Corinth Holders Elementary school cafeteria for 22 years. She was popular and developed strong friendships. Hazel helped Shine farm. She was always a fast worker and often seemed to have the stamina of workers half her age.

Friday nights were special for Hazel, Shine, Laverne and Donald. They gathered at Duke's in Micro for an evening of dancing to live country music. Duke's is only two miles south of U.S. 301.

Hazel attended many Stancil Reunions in the 2000s with her sisters, Mavis, Beatrice, Eloise and other family members.

When Hazel needed extra assistance at home, her daughter Laverne was there to make sure she had it. Eventually in 2014, Hazel suffered a stroke and entered the Brian Center Health & Retirement-Clayton, a Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Clayton, NC. This was close enough for her family to visit often.

Her beloved Shine died in February 2005. She lived alone for many years. It was a blessing son, Greg and wife Terry, were next door and frequently checked on her and took her on outings as did daughter, Lavern, sons, Wayne, wife Jeannie and Linwood. She also had many lifelong friends who visited and were always ready to lend a helping hand.

Hazel died at 95 on July 22, 2015. She is buried beside her husband, Leon "Shine" Massey Wright at Friendship Free Will Baptist Church in Johnston County.

Niece Brenda Hill Pollard, daughter of Vernon Fletcher “Jim” Hill, remembers happy times visiting Hazel and family for dinner as a child. She recognized Hazel's devotion to family, church and neighbors and her hard work on the family farm.

Hazel touched us with her devotion, faith, love, compassion, nurturing, generosity, humor, and wisdom. She left us with many special and forever memories. We will remember Hazel for her delicious dishes, sweet disposition, friendly smile and a work ethic that is rare today.