Hazel Mason departed this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior on January 5, 2025.

The best way to tell Hazel's life story is to begin with her own words. Hazel loved to journal, and she recorded her testimony. Hazel wrote… "My mother passed away when I was only three; but I was raised by a Christian father and grandparents that took me to church, so I knew right from wrong. Early in life, I knew something was lacking in my life. I held on to the back of the pew, for three years, before I turned my life over to God. We were having a revival that summer. One afternoon, I was over at a friend's house and the pastor, and a visiting evangelist came by. That very afternoon, I accepted Him as my savior after much praying and crying. The next Sunday, I knew I needed to make it public; so, I went down the aisle when they were playing "I Surrender All." Then, I was baptized in a stock tank at Harold. I was 13 years old; and I knew I was a sinner. I believed in Jesus Christ as God's son and confessed my sins because He said He would forgive me. Each day, I thank God for my Bible and the power of prayer."

Hazel Joyce Railsback was born March 8, 1930, in Margaret, Texas. She married Arthur Norman Mason on January 15, 1949. The couple was blessed with a daughter and a son. Throughout life, Hazel was immensely blessed with abundant immediate and extended family. Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, parents, step-mother, and all of her siblings (1 brother and 2 sisters). While on hospice, Hazel commented many times that she wished to see Jesus and her mother. She had no memories of her mother, only a few photos. Later in his life, her widowed father remarried, and she gained 3 step-siblings and 2 half-siblings. Additionally, Hazel and Arthur were blessed with grandchildren! Her daughter, Patricia (Pat) Joyce Lambert (of Frisco) blessed her with 3 grandkids: Eric Lambert, Mandy Gardner and D.J. Lindsey. Her son Norman Ray Mason (of Wichita Falls) blessed her with 2 grandkids: Chris Mason and April Dees. Finally, Hazel was given 12 great-grandkids which she affectionally nicknamed the "dirty dozen."

After her marriage to Arthur, she was a stay-at-home mom and sold Avon while their children were at school. The couple took a tour of west Texas as they followed Arthur's career in law enforcement. They resided in Vernon, Lubbock, Haskell, Seymour, Levelland, Denver City, Morton, and Wylie. Later in life, Hazel worked at Raymond's BBQ in Garland (originally Underwood's) as a server, cashier, and assistant manager.

In 2000, Arthur passed away and Hazel moved to Electra to enjoy time with her sister, Wilma, and cousin. Without her spouse, Hazel spent more time doing volunteer work at First Baptist Church of Electra. She prepared and served meals for funerals, and she was the WMU president. She enjoyed afternoon coffee and conversation with her lady friends at the local Whistle Stop Cafe. She also enjoyed frequent visits from family.

About 11 years ago, Hazel moved to Presbyterian Manor in Wichita Falls. At the Manor, she enjoyed attending worship services, Bible Study, musical programs, and bingo. She made new friends and re-connected with some previous acquaintances. Each day, she continued to journal, pray for others, and count her blessings. She loved to send greeting cards of encouragement. In 2023 and 2024, she prepared Christmas cards for Operation Christmas Child. Both years, she wrote 400 cards to be placed in the shoeboxes sent across the globe to underprivileged children. Even at 94, she wanted to do for others. A conclusion to Hazel's life story is best stated is her own words. She wrote… "One of my favorite verses is James 1:22, "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving your own selves."

Finally, her family wishes to thank Manor Healthcare for the loving care she was given. For those desiring, memorials may be sent to the Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund.

Hazel's funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Barney Ray Railsback, her half-brother, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel in Vernon. Burial will follow at the Chillicothe Cemetery. The family is planning a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Sullivan Funeral Home from 10:00 am until funeral services begin.