On Monday, June 1, 2026, God slipped His loving arms around the soul of Hazel Annette Johnson. Hazel Annette Johnson of Winston-Salem was born on October 28, 1938, to Clarkson Sams and Thelma Vansella Johnson. She was the eldest of three siblings, one of whom precedes her in death.

Hazel graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Jamaica, Queers, New York. She then attended North Carolina Central University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1962 and was a proud member of the NCCU Society of Golden Eagles. After graduating, Hazel moved to Queens, New York, where she worked as a counselor for the New York State Department of Labor, providing more than 30 years of dedicated service. Hazel retired in August of 2000 and returned home to Winston-Salem, NC. Hazel grew up attending St. Paul's Methodist Church and later attended Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. She was also a proud sponsor of World Vision Children of Africa for decades.

Hazel was the matriarch of the family. She was crazy about her family, especially her nieces and nephews. She took immense joy in being a second mother to Teah, the youngest daughter of her brother, Michael. Hazel always possessed a loving and joyful personality; she lived and enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved attending the International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, and she loved to listen to and collect music of various genres and artists. In her able-bodied years, she loved to travel, entertain, and socialize with friends and family. Her delicious homemade banana pudding was a strict requirement at all gatherings and events. She was known for her unique flair, her sense of style, grace, and elegance, along with her passion for shopping! Hazel's joyful spirit will be missed greatly, and her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Clarkson Sams and Thelma Vansella Johnson; her brother, Carlton Sams; her nephew, Lauseric Johnson; and her great-niece, Cyanne Sams. She is survived by her brother, Michael Johnson. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Vansella E. Du Hart, Michael C. Johnson Jr, Cristofer Scott Sams, Danielle Lauren Sams Eni, Teah M. Johnson, and Elyse Grace Sams; along with a host of great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, extended family, and special friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Friday at the Chapel.