Pastor Emeritus Hazel (Land) Williams

 Emeritus Pastor Hazel Williams went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2020.  Today we celebrate her life and the many accomplishments she made here on earth.

Emeritus Pastor Hazel Williams was born April 6, 1930, in Hammond, Louisiana to the parents of Lou Margaret and Hudson Land.  Hazel was the oldest daughter of 11 siblings.  Hazel was a hard worker all her life and she loved to cook.  Hazel retired from work in 2001 from American National Can after 23 years of service.

Hazel accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age.  Hazel received some her foundation and understanding of the Bible from the Lester Sumrall Ministries, Billy Graham Ministries and Morris Cerullo Ministries.  Hazel later attended Andrew Womack’s Charis Bible College where she received a Certificate in Ministry.  She was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church for many years, where she served in the choir, as Sunday School Teacher, on the Missionary Board and over the Matrons Board.  She was a mentor to many of the Matrons.  Although Hazel was a faithful, multi-position holding church member, she yearned for more. Along with Bro. George Gooch, they started the Saturday Prayer Band, this is where she found what she was yearning for, and there she received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Many people who came through the Prayer Band where saved and delivered from sin. 

In 1985, Hazel was called to the Ministry.  She was extremely happy and excited about this calling God had placed on her life and she ministered at various places with all that God had placed in her.  But God was so pleased with His servant, He placed another calling on her life and it was that of Pastor.

 Two years later in 1987, Hazel along with Claudia Lockridge Taylor founded the New Disciple Love Fellowship Church where she was the Pastor until she retired in 2006. Hazel loved the church and her role as Pastor.  Under her leadership many received their callings as Ministers, Evangelist, Preachers and Teachers.  She often said, God told her that New Disciple was the “trama center” for those who are lost, sick or in need, meaning, it is equipped and staffed with Bible believing Saints of God to pray, lay hands and intercede on your behave.  That belief still holds true today for New Disciple Love Fellowship Church.

There is tremendously more things that we could say about this Wonderful, Magnificent, Glorious, Fabulous, Dynamic Woman Warrior of God, but you will have to take the warm memories and footprints that she has left in each and everyone of your hearts and cherish them and whenever you feel a little low, close your eyes and remember her smile and her sweet voice telling you to pray and to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

Hazel truly loved her family and leaves to cherish her loving memories her sons: OC (Dorethy) Williams of St. Louis, MO, Charles (Icue) Williams of Michigan City, IN, Otis Williams of Grand Rapids, MI, Marty (Rosaline) Williams of Grand Rapids, MI, George (Dondie) Williams of Champagne, IL. Daughters: Cora (John) Cambridge Newsom, Pastor Kimberly Williams of Michigan City, IN, Whitney Williams of Grand Rapids, MI., a God daughter, Sandra Dyson of Chicago, IL and one brother Jesse (Brenda) Land, Park Forest, IL and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by both parents, her husband of 20 years, Joseph Williams; six brothers, James Land, Willie Land, Henry Land, Berlin Land, Hudson Land Jr. and Joseph Land; three sisters, Bertiel Harrison, Ruth Taylor and Mary Johnson, daughter Vannessa Duke and son-in-law, Michael Duke.

Her celebration of life will be noon, Thursday, January 23, 2020 at New Disciple Fellowship Church 1411 Pine Street, Michigan City, Indiana with Rev. George Williams to give the eulogy. Burial will take place in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Viewing with the family hour will be 11am, Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the church until the time of service.

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