Hazel Fitzpatrick-Robertson (Lansing)

Early Life

Hazel Fitzpatrick-Robertson was born on July 7, 1936 in Laurel, Mississippi to the late Green and Lula Sanders. At an early age, Hazel showed a love for baking, music & sports. She began baking cakes at age 10; as one of 10 children, sweets were always a welcomed treat. Hazel was a lover of all types of music, with a special affection for gospel and jazz. She played on the Varsity Girls' basketball team at Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans, where she graduated in 1955. She, soon after, married Clarence T. Fitzpatrick, and the two relocated to Lansing, Michigan. To that union, two beautiful children were born. Hazel and Clarence were business partners for over a decade, working tireless hours to build Clarence's Barbershop in Lansing, Michigan.

Career

Hazel was one of the first African American female entrepreneurs in the State of Michigan. In 1960, she began styling women's hair and launched her business ­ Hazel's Creations. She was the first female licensed barber in Lansing, Michigan. Although she reduced her work schedule significantly, Hazel did not fully retire until 2020. Hazel had many remarkable clients throughout her career including Stevie Wonder, Charles "Bubba" Smith and many other Michigan State University notable alumni. Her business and accomplishments were featured numerous times in the Lansing State Journal.

Spiritual Life

She gave her life to Christ at the tender age of 12, baptized at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Mississippi and became a member of Tabernacle of David Church in Lansing, Michigan in 2006. She loved serving the Church and was the Head Mother, serving on the Mothers Board for over a decade. "Mother Hazel" was known for her keen ability to seek God in the midst of trouble and pain. When faced with situations where many would be shaken, Hazel's faith in God remained firm. Hazel was a faithful supporter of Miles Fitzpatrick Ministries International and its missionary efforts. In 2013, the Hazel Robertson Memorial Well was installed in Kenya, providing clean drinking water to hundreds, including the Orphanage children and families of All For Jesus Ministries. As a lasting tribute to Mother Hazel's memory, Bishop Shiundu and his wife, Pastor Maximillia named their last born child "Hazel" to commemorate the legacy of Mother Robertson.

Family

Other than her love for Christ, nothing outweighed Hazel’s value for family. Hazel was a beloved sister, cousin, aunt, wife, mother and grandmother. Hazel’s lineage was extremely important to her. She loved researching her roots. She traced her bloodline to the Republic of Congo and was the proud great granddaughter of King Sanders, who was sold into American slavery. After raising her two children, Saundra and Miles, Hazel married Rayvell Robertson, the love of her life, in 1994. With open arms and heart, she welcomed his four children into her family. She was regarded as a surrogate mother and grandmother by many. By her siblings, she was known for her sincerity, optimistic attitude and intellectual, thorough nature. Saundra & Miles remember her dedication to her craft and her ability to never back down from a challenge or threat. She was truly a "Mama Bear" always protecting her cubs. For her children, her love was truly unconditional. Her grandchildren especially recount her love for baking and ensuring that no one ever went without a homemade pound cake on their birthdays.

Transition

After 84 years of life on earth, Hazel transitioned into eternity on Sunday, March 21, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Hazel is survived by children, Saundra (Anthony) Fryer, Miles (Debra) Fitzpatrick; grandchildren Trent Stevenson II, Charis (Shayne) Todd, Brianna Fitzpatrick, Gabriel "GiGi" (Ernest) Jackson, and Brandon Fitzpatrick; great-grandchildren, Darian Stevenson, Mariah Stevenson, Naomi Todd, and Milana Todd; brothers, Lavonne "Lee" (Ora) Sanders, Marvin Sanders; sister, Naomi Winston; lifelong friend, Othressa Daniel; special sons, Willie Wright and Wayne Duncan; special daughters, Dianna Cravvford, Sharon Burts, Mary Anderson, Sylvia McCoy, Linda Sims, Overa Storay, Gabrielle Richie, and Susan Miller; special nieces, Arlicia Sanders, Latonya Sanders, Deborah Bells, and Carolyn Lyles; special nephew, Kevin Hall; special cousin, Flora Gore; many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Green and Lula Sanders; former husband, Clarence T. Fitzpatrick; husband, Rayvell Robertson, Sr.; siblings, Tartan Newell, Louis Newell, Bernice Newell-Moore, Alma Cooley, Lucious Newell, Betty Ponder; Son, Ray Robertson, Jr. and special niece, Tasha Lee-Davis.

Mother Hazel Fitzpatrick-Robertson's memory and legacy will be cherished for generations to come. In the word's of our beautiful matriarch-A life of praise is a life of power!

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Celebration of Life Service (Limited Guest)

April 3, 2021

Attendees limited to Family and close friends (Invitation only)

The service will be carried LIVE via YouTube on Tabernacle of David TV at 11:00 am EDT

For additional information contact Paradise Funeral Chapel.