Hazelle Knight-Collier died on March 3, 2017, at the Falmouth Hospital. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 17, 1922, one of three children of Harold and Ida Knight, both immigrants from Barbados, West Indies. Hazelle had an older sister, Eileen, and a younger brother, Kenneth. Both siblings are deceased. Hazelle graduated from high school, and soon after met and married Chester Collier, a Brooklynite originally from Montgomery, Ala. Chester and Hazelle had two sons, Robert and Walter. Chester died on Feb. 3, 2004.
For many years, Hazelle worked assembling fabric swatches for the clothing industry. Being a mother and working was a priority for her, but having fun in life was also at the top of her list. She was a kind and giving person, with a sunlit smile that attracted almost anyone she came in contact with. The joy of the Lord radiated in her laughter and sense of humour. Hazelle was a woman of integrity, and took pride in her African-American heritage.
Hazelle spent the last nine years of her life on Martha’s Vineyard with her son, Walter V. Collier, and his wife, Shirley A. Collier.
Her graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017, in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Pacific Avenue, Oak Bluffs, at 2 pm, officiated by Pastor Marcia Buckley.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.
