Mother Hazel E. Crosby

Hazel Eunice Crosby was born September 15, 1935, the fourth of five children, to the late Freddie Truitt and Lucy Goldfaith from Alief Clodine, Texas. Hazel attended Prairie Grove School in Alief Clodine, TX which was founded and established by her uncle, David Outley. After graduating 6th grade, Hazel moved to Third Ward in Houston, TX with her aunt Thelma Truitt. There she attended Jack Yates High School where she graduated and received her high school diploma.

After high school, Hazel met and married Leon "Pete" Crosby and unto this union, 10 children were born, five girls and five boys. They were married 44 years until his passing in February 2008. Hazel was a full time mother and wife. She enjoyed spending family time with her children and grandchildren. She took pleasure in scrap-booking special family events. Later she joined the workforce industry in food service, private duty service and child care. While working at Rosewood General Hospital, Hazel attended San Jacinto Jr. College, where she received her certificate for Dietary Nutrition and became the Dietary Supervisor for 23 years. After her service at Rosewood, Hazel went into private child care service for the Vaughn and the Sowa families.

Hazel accepted Christ at an early age. She joined and was baptized at Prairie Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Clinton Lee. She later joined Greater Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, TX under the leadership of the late Reverend O.C. Johnson and the current Pastor George Hill. Hazel was as dedicated to her church as she was to the Lord and remained a faithful member until her health declined. Hazel served in several auxiliaries and she participated in many annual and non­annual events such as the Mission Society, Vice President of the Mass Choir, One Hundred Women in Red, Celebration of Black History Month Skit and the Red Hatters Hat Show.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Leon "Pete" Crosby, her son, Sgt. Kenneth B. Crosby, her sister, Dorothy Gordon, two brothers, Leon Truitt and Robert L. Truitt and one step-brother, Pastor Albert Kelley.

She leaves to cherish her memory, 9 children, Eunice 'Marie' Crosby, Shirley Solomon (Willie), Eric Crosby, Betty Ward (Warren), Patrick Crosby, Sarah Crosby, Janet Crosby, Vance Crosby and Morris Crosby Sr. (Melissa), 19 Grandchildren, 39 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.