Funeral service for Mrs. Hazel Mae Daniels, 84 of Killeen, TX will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) at the church.

Burial will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Sister Hazel Mae Daniels, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on March 8, 1942, in Morganza, Louisiana, Pointe Coupee Parish, to Nelson and Emma (Young) Johnson, Sr. She passed away June 30, 2026, in Killeen, TX. She was the sixth of nine children born to this union, growing up in a close-knit family rooted in faith, hard work, and love.

Hazel attended Morganza High School, where she distinguished herself both academically and athletically, especially on the basketball court. Her talents and determination carried her beyond her hometown as she later pursued studies at Beauty School in Waco, Texas. Even in her youth, Hazel's warm spirit, strong work ethic, and natural leadership were evident to all who knew her.

Raised in a Christian home, Hazel accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Little Rock Baptist Church in Morganza. Her faith remained the foundation of her life. While living in Fort Hood, Texas, Hazel married Frank O. Woodson, Sr., and from that union came two daughters, Cynthia Denise and Sharon Renee. In 1977, she married Richard Allen Daniels, Sr., and together they welcomed one son, Richard Allen Daniels, Jr.

In September 1961, Hazel joined Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R. A. Abercrombie. Her commitment to Christ and her church was unwavering. She served faithfully for decades as a member of the Mass Choir, a devoted Sunday School teacher, and an active participant in the Missions Ministry. Hazel provided a strong Christian home for her children, each of them were baptized at a young age and raised with the same spiritual grounding that shaped her own life.

Hazel's dedication extended beyond her home and church into her professional life. She began her career as a telephone operator and devoted more than 38 years of loyal service to Centel/Sprint/Embarq. Known for her reliability, professionalism, and compassion, Hazel became a respected figure in her workplace. She stood firmly for fairness and dignity, advocating for workers' rights as an active member of the CWA union. Her voice, her courage, and her commitment to justice made a lasting impact on those she worked alongside. Her service to the community was equally steadfast. Hazel volunteered consistently with Bell County elections, where she served with honor as a Precinct Judge. She approached every responsibility—large or small—with integrity, humility, and a heart for people. Hazel was known for her radiant smile, her gentle spirit, and her willingness to help anyone in need. She had a gift for seeing people—really seeing them—and stepping in with support, encouragement, or comfort. Her heart was big, her kindness abundant, and her presence a blessing to all who crossed her path. Whether through a warm conversation, a thoughtful gesture, or simply her steady companionship, Hazel made life brighter for countless family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her daughters Cynthia Brown (Fred) and Sharon McNealy (Kyle) of Round Rock, TX; her son Richard Allen Daniels, Jr. (Ebony) of Harker Heights, TX; and her stepdaughter Beverly Daniels Mackie (Daniel) of Baton Rouge, LA. Her siblings: Samuel Johnson of Cleveland, OH; Janet L. Clark of Mount Joliet, TN; and Rosie W. Spence (David) of Baytown, TX. Her grandchildren: Rickita Fisher, Jailyn Brown, and Cederick Brown of Round Rock, TX; Kevin McNealy of Denton, TX; Kameron McNealy (Kayla) of Aubrey, TX; Alahna Daniels and Richard Allen Daniels III of Harker Heights, TX. She is also survived by six great‑grandchildren and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends. Hazel is preceded in death by her husband Richard A. Daniels, Sr.; her five brothers Nelson (Pete) Johnson, Jr., Larry (Ralph) Johnson, Arthur Ray Johnson, Oliver (Ed) Johnson, William (Blackie) Dewitt Johnson; and her sister Louise Johnson. Hazel Mae Daniels lived a life marked by faith, service, compassion, and strength. She poured love into her family, her church, her work, and her community. Her legacy is one of devotion—to God, to her children, to justice, and to the countless people she uplifted throughout her journey. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.