Mrs. Hazel (Laney) Mikell

Hazel Laney Mikell, age 76, daughter of the late Cora Laney Bynum and the late Frank Laney was born February 7, 1946. She departed this life on Thursday, August 11, 2022.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

All of the neighborhood community fondly called her ‘Grandma’. Her brother, James even gave her the nickname, ‘Smiley’ because it was that smile that always brightened up the room. Hazel enjoyed all kinds of celebrations and family gatherings. She enjoyed her life to it's fullest. She had a very giving and caring spirit and her home was always a welcome place for her family and friends. According to her oldest daughter, Shenna, her mother was a "No Nonsense" person and always gave good sound advice to anyone who would receive it. Katesha and Melissa described their mom as being strong-willed and she liked to be the boss.

At an early age, Hazel joined St. Joseph CME Church. She was a member of the Voices of Joy choir, the Youth Fellowship group and attended Sunday School through her youth. Her favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm. Hazel grew up in Chapel Hill and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. She began employment in the Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools and the Chapel Hill Day Care for Exceptional Children until her retirement.

Hazel was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Alexander Mikell. To this union, she leaves to cherish her memory, Her faithful daughters Shenna Mikell (Rick), Katesha Mikell (Monte), Melissa Mikell (Kevin) of Durham, North Carolina. Brothers: James Watson of Chapel Hill, NC; Thomas Earl Bynum (Linda), of Chapel Hill NC, Ernest Bynum, (Renee'), High Point, NC, Rev. Roy Bynum, Chesapeake, VA Sister: Freda Laney Andrews (Will), Durham, NC (She was 'The Wind Beneath My Wings").

Brothers-in-law: Samuel (Priscilla), Maryland; Franklin (Tabitha), Charleston, SC; Franklin (Rosalyn), Atlanta, GA; Randell Gaillard, Durham, NC Sisters-in-law: Julie Gaillard, Albertha (Anna) Jenkins (Alfred), Mary Beauford, Carolyn Chavis (Eugene, Ex-Spouse), Charleston, SC; Paulette Gaillard of Durham, NC And four grand-children: (Luther, Tyquan, Harold and Anthony) three great grandchildren (Destini, Harmonie and Serenity) and a host of nieces and nephews.

*Special Nephew: Wilson Mikell (Priscilla, (Renee'), Washington, DC.

*Special Recognition: The family would like to thank Monte and Amonte for caring for Hazel around the clock during the final days of her life. We appreciate all other family members and close friends that prepared food, spent time with her and provided care during her time of need. (Special thanks to
Mr. Walter Johnson for providing musical interludes.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Hazel (Laney) Mikell, please visit our floral store.