Hazel H. Palmer

Hazel Henrietta Palmer loved the word of God. She was born on July 21, 1928 to the late Fred and Mary Brandon. She peacefully gained her wings on August 23, 2024 at the age of 96. She was a native Washingtonian educated in D.C. Public Schools. Her favorite subjects were mathematics and home economics. As a hobby she enjoyed sewing and did alterations for her family. She also enjoyed doing hair for her daughters and granddaughters. Hazel’s faith was her guiding light throughout her life. She dedicated her heart to Christ and became a member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for over 70 years. She took pride in her role as secretary of the Faithful Few Club. She always arrived at church early, stylishly dressed, complete with matching hat, gloves, purse and shoes. Her favorite place to sit was in the third row close to the altar and her God. In her teenage years, Hazel met the love of her life, Harry T. Palmer and they were united in Holy Matrimony. Together, they shared a deep love for God, family, and simple joys in life such as watching TV and family gatherings. Her heart was especially delighted at family gatherings hosted by her daughter Audrey, where love, good food, and the warmth of family surrounded her. The Palmer’s together set the stage by instilling family values faith, family first, hard work, goals, and determination as the blueprint to succeed in life. Hazel began her career at the Cairo Hotel and later worked at the iconic Mayflower Hotel which still proudly stands on Connecticut Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. She dedicated 17 years to the Mayflower Hotel, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues. She later began work at the General Services Administration (GSA), as a federal employee for 27 years, where her hard work was recognized with many awards for excellence until her retirement at age 65. After retiring Hazel took care of her great-granddaughters and watched them grow under her guidance. Her deep faith remained a constant source of strength, and she spent many hours peacefully reading the Bible. Hazel made it a point to share joy with others, sending the “Happy News” newspaper to loved ones to spread the message of God’s love. Hazel was very thoughtful and provided financial assistance to her children and grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to send a birthday card, sympathy card, get well card or holiday card to show those around her that they were remembered and loved. Her family and friends always felt the warmth of her love through these meaningful gestures and her contagious laugh. She had three special devoted friends, Vincent Perry, and Delores Barham, who reside in Maryland and Mary Parson, who resides in Goldsboro, N.C. She spent her final days at her home wearing her beautiful smile surrounded by family. She was truly loved and will be missed by all. Hazel was the matriarch of her family. She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her devoted daughter Hazel Brandon; three grandchildren Lena Toomer Wright (Rudolph), Carlos Toomer (Alicia), and Lisa Brandon Clark, (Anthony); six great grandchildren, Brittany Toomer, Jasmine Clark Guy (Adam), Terrence Hawkins, Sr., Deonte Overby Toomer, Kyla and Kennedy Clark; and seven great-great grandsons. She also leaves a host of multi generations of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and special friends. A special acknowledgment is extended to her beloved nephews, Elijah Kareem and Anthony Brandon for always looking out for Aunt Hazel with unwavering love and dedication. We thank Edward Jones who resides on Fairmont Street in the same building where Mrs. Hazel Palmer has lived for 64 years. Eddie would assist her whenever she called, no matter the hour. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Harry T. Palmer, five brothers Samuel, Walter, William, Sherman, Charles, and one sister Dorothy, daughter Audrey J. Toomer, son-in-law, Ricardo l. Toomer, and great grandson, Christopher J. Wood.

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Hazel H. Palmer

July 21, 1928 - August 23, 2024