Cynthia Virginia Hazell

With deep sorrow and immense love, we announce the peaceful passing of Cynthia Virginia (McKoy) Hazell, a beacon of light and joy to her friends and family, who left us on November 13, 2023. Born on January 8, 1937, in Plainfield, NJ to Vivian Vincent McKoy and Wilhemina Lillian McKoy.

The second of eleven children, Cynthia grew up and attended public schools in Plainfield, NJ and graduated from Plainfield High School. In the 1950’s, Cynthia attended the famous modeling school Ophelia DeVore School of Charm (the same school as Diahann Carroll) in New York, NY. In 1959, she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Ernest Hazell of Perth Amboy, NJ and was blessed with four Sons during their marriage. Cynthia's life journey of 86 years was a testament to her vibrancy, kindness, passion for learning, dedication to family, and enduring spirit.

Cynthia’s life was a tapestry of colorful experiences. She had an eye for style, and enjoyed collecting beautiful gemstones, jewelry, and art. Her adventurous spirit led her to embrace many types of music, dance, fashion, food, and cultures from around the world. Cynthia shared fond memories of when she and her girlfriends would commute to New York and dance at the Palladium Ballroom; sometimes they even had to jump on a cargo train, sharing a car with a hobo, coming back from the big city. Cynthia had a true passion for learning and an appreciation for new ways of thinking and self-expression. Always seeking with a spirit and compassion for others, Cynthia developed a lifelong focus on self-care and healing as an herbalist, and was a big proponent for personal improvement, and social empowerment. She sought to instill the same values in her children, as well as for the clients she served in her work as a Social Worker in the city she came to love, San Francisco, CA.

By the early 1970's following her sister Pamela, Cynthia pioneered to the West Coast, as a single parent, relocating to San Francisco, CA with her four boys. Cynthia was determined to pave her own way; tenaciously studying and attending college classes to eventually attain a degree in Social Work from the University of San Francisco (USF), all while working full-time and parenting her boys on her own. After graduating, Cynthia dedicated her life’s work to uplifting and supporting protection of children, young people, and women in her community throughout San Francisco, which was the same work she had always been drawn to even as a young working wife and mother back in Plainfield, NJ, working for small community organizations.  However, once a professional social worker she was able to bring her compassion, wisdom, problem solving skills, empathy, and unwavering commitment at various posts throughout her career to benefit those in need of food, housing, protection, and job training.  Cynthia would become seen as a second Mom to many of the young women she helped, as well as other young people in the neighborhood.

These same passions lead Cynthia to find great joy, inspiration, and purpose through her devout practice of Nicheren Shosu Buddhism for over 40 years; eventually becoming a leader in the San Francisco Buddhist community and later in Berkeley, hosting meetings in her home to promote and share wisdom, fellowship, and spiritual growth with others. In 2019, Cynthia continued involvement with her local Buddhist group after relocating to Charlotte with her son Quentin and his wife.

Farewell to our dear Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend Cynthia Virginia (McKoy) Hazell!

To celebrate her life today are five siblings: Barrington G. McKoy (Barbara) of Mitchellville, MD, Edith Pamela McKoy of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Tyrone E. McKoy (Christine) of Clinton, MD, David G. McKoy (Cheryl) of Freeport, FL, and Deborah M. McKoy of Fort Walton Beach, FL. Her parents and five additional siblings Gaylord V. McKoy, Regina P. Harris, Judith A. Jackson, Frederick G. McKoy and Barbara Lynn McKoy preceded her in death.

Cynthia's legacy is carried on by her loving family, survived by her three sons, Keith B. Hazell (Renee) Sacramento, CA, Quentin D. Hazell (Rita) of Charlotte, NC, Paul Hazell (Graham).  One beloved son Kyle E. Hazell of San Francisco, CA preceded her in death. Her joy was her grandchildren Amber Hazell of Mableton, GA, Taylor Hazell of Richmond, CA, Kyle Jr. Hazell of Sacramento, CA, Kyla Hazell of Grambling, LA. Each of them carries a part of her extraordinary spirit and will be inspired by her remarkable life.

As we honor Cynthia's life, we invite her friends, family, and those whose lives she touched, to join us in celebrating the incredible journey she shared with us at her Memorial Service on Saturday December 9, 2023, gathering at 11am. Location address is Palmetto Funeral Home 2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29708.

Cynthia's radiant physical presence will be dearly missed, but her indomitable spirit and the joy she brought to our lives will forever be cherished and remembered. Rest in peace, Cynthia, you won your battle and you have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew you.