Hazel Maxine Byard

...With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Hazel
Byard, a remarkable woman who graced this world with her presence for 98 years.
On Friday, March 29, 2024, Hazel left us peacefully at her home in Lexington, NC,
surrounded by her loving children.

Born on December 13, 1925, in Watoga, WV, to Christopher and Nancy Bolden
Woods, she was raised by her paternal grandmother, along with her niece Alma.
Throughout her life, she embodied the role of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother,
sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.

She graduated from Bramwell High School and worked for Mercer County Public
Schools in WV for 20 years as a cook, at which she retired at age 56. Her reason for
retiring early was “what I don’t have, I don’t need”. Hazel was admired by family
and friends for baking yeast rolls, Alabama biscuits, and chicken and dumplings. She
was a long-standing devoted member of Greater Providence Baptist Church in
Charlotte. She was a member of the Queen Esther Chapter of the Eastern Stars and
daughter of the Elks in Bluefield, WV. She moved to Charlotte, NC in 1989, with her
youngest daughter, and lived in the Carolinas for 35 years.

Hazel's life was a rich tapestry of experiences, except that she never learned to drive.
She found joy in gardening, cooking, politics, and news. As a hobby, she made
beautiful ceramics and was a sports enthusiast for baseball, football (Dallas Cowboys
and Carolina Panthers), basketball, and the Olympics. An expert player of bid whist,
her skill and sharp wit were well-known among her circle, often outsmarting her
opponents and keeping the men in line. Above all, she cherished the moments spent
with family, friends and going to church.

Her sense of humor was amusing and a joy to all who knew her. One of her most
memorable statements was when she said to one of her children “I raised you once
and I’m not going to raise you twice.” Her departure leaves a permanent void in the
hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her for her enduring love and
strength, warmth and moral support, words of encouragement, straightforwardness
and love.

Hazel’s legacy is a testament to a life well- lived.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney A.
Byard Sr., grandson, Charlie L.“Chess” Lipscomb, Jr., great grandson, David R.
Lipscomb, Jr.; six brothers; Otis Woods, Patrick Woods, Robert Woods, Vernell
Woods Sr., Benjamin Woods, Nathaniel Woods. five sisters; Princine Edwards,
Thelma Gray, Christine Todd, Margaret Parker.

Hazel is survived by her seven children, Janice B. Lipscomb of Lexington, NC,
Sylvia J. LeValle of Lexington, NC, Sidney A. Byard, Jr. of Lexington, NC, Peggy
L. Waddell of Charlotte, NC, Sharon J. Saunders of Lexington, NC, Gail D. Dixon
(Melvin) of Lexington, NC and Hazel “Penni”Bailey (William) of Weddington, NC.
Fourteen grandchildren; Sonya Dubois (Suzie), David Lipscomb I, Wesley LeValle,
Koreh LeValle, Troy Saunders, Tommie Pritchett, Jr., Raven Street, Kevin Waugh
(Millie), Christopher Lipscomb, Kim Ross (Melvin),Trevora Saunders,
Courtney McCord (Antoine), Brian Perry, Alex Byard.

Twenty-two great grandchildren; Makayla Lipscomb, Isaiah Taylor (Savanah),
David Lipscomb III, Elijah Wroten (Aleigha), Tyree Saunders, Malachi Bratton,
Aamiyah Perry, Trinity Saunders, Tre Saunders, Stephon Austin, Tatiana Saunders,
Chayse Lipscomb, Dean Ross, Janessa Lipscomb, Skylar Austin, Myles Austin,
Madison Austin, Esteban Waugh, Davina Lipscomb, Charlie Lipscomb, Isabella
Lipscomb.

One great-great granddaughter, Kitana Wroten
One Sister, Dr. Rebecca Boyd of San Antonio, TX, One Sister In-law Louise Byard
of Appomattox, VA, her beloved niece Alma Littlejohn of Princeton, WV, her
special cousin, Chris Cook of Long Beach, CA, and a host of nieces and nephews.

In Loving Memory
Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great-great Grandmother,
Sister, Sister In-law, Aunt and Cousin