1939-2025
Hazel L. Hayes was born on March 03, 1939, in Star City, Arkansas to the late Charlie and Mary Charles. She received her education at Lincoln High School. At an early age she dedicated her life to Christ, serving faithfully at St. Ollie Missionary Baptist Church before joining Sneed Chapel Church where she remained a devoted member until her passing.
She was first united in holy matrimony to the late Sherman Rochelle, Sr. with whom she had nine children. She later married the late Alvin Hayes.
Hazel was the heart and soul of her family, a woman who built a home with unwavering love, warmth and devotion. She was a dedicated mother to her children; a role she considered her greatest joy and privilege. As a devoted and beloved mother and grandmother, she found her greatest joy in family gatherings and the happiness of others. Holiday celebrations, birthdays, and any occasion that brought her children and grandchildren together delighted her beyond measure; her family was truly her pride and joy.
She was known for her genuinely warm and generous spirit. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her giving nature. For her, kindness was a way of life, not an occasional gesture. She always put the needs of others before her own, bringing warmth and joy to all she encountered through simple, selfless acts. Her compassionate spirit left a profound and lasting impact on all of us. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Mary Charles; Husband, Alvin Hayes; nine brothers, Savoy McKenzie, Robert McKenzie, Bernard Cole, Huey Cole, Henry Charles, Obie Charles, Willie Charles, Wesley Charles, Romer Charles; one sister, Addie Copeland, two sons, Jimmy Rochelle and Gregory Rochelle, one daughter, Barbara Robinson; three grandsons, Jesse Henderson Jr., Terrence Mance, Terrance Rochelle and one great grandson, Jalen Johnson. +-
She leaves to cherish her memories; three sons, Sherman (Kathy) Rochell of Star City, AR; Jerry (Paula) Rochelle and Terry (Dametria) Rochelle of Pine Bluff, AR; one step-son, Charles Rochell of Columbia, TN; three daughters; Brenda (Andrew) Hegler of Monticello, AR; Mary Robinson of Pine Bluff, AR; and Rachel Rochelle of Little Rock, AR; one sister; Earnestine Rochell of Star City, AR; and her beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. One special friend, Mrs. Ethel Jones of Peoria, AZ.
Visitation 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.
Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Ollie Missionary Baptist Church, Star City, AR Rev. Sherman Rochelle, Jr., officiating. Interment in St. Ollie Cemetery Meroney, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 9:15 a.m. until service time.
The obituary submitted by The Family.
