Hazel E Richards

December 18, 1923 - June 16, 2011

Hazel Elaine Richards Echols was born December 18, 1923 to the late James and Willie Ida Richards. She was the youngest of six children. She was educated in the Prairie View Training School system. Accepting Christ at an early age, she united with Wyatt Chapel Baptist Church. She later joined St. Francis Episcopal Church where she was a faithful member until her health failed. As a devoted member of the Altar Guild, Hazel helped prepare the linens and flowers for the altar and served wherever needed. Hazel was united in marriage to Arthur Willie Wilson. They were blessed with two daughters. Later she married Jefferson D. Echols who preceded her in death. After working at Prairie View A&M University for many years she retired in 1984. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to help others no matter what. She loved to work in her yard growing flowers and vegetables sharing the fruits of her labor with neighbors and friends. She was a volunteer at the Pantry in Waller, Texas for many years and was recognized for her hard work. Early Thursday, June 16, 2011 Hazel crossed over to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, James and Cecil Richards, two sisters, Annie Tompkins and Ivory Mae Evans. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Carolyn Halton (Darrell) Desoto, Texas; Linda Walker (Raymond) Houston, Texas; one sister Pearl Sipsey of Houston, Texas, two grandsons, Keith Walker of Houston, Texas and Maury Walker of Everett, Washington and one granddaughter, Chaletha Roberson of Desoto, Texas. She also leaves behind three great grand children and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.