Hazel Smith

February 28, 1930 - May 10, 2020

Hazel Elizabeth Guerrero Smith was born on the west side of Chicago, Illinois to the union of Joseph and Hazel Guerrero. The eldest of four, her siblings were Joseph Jr. (deceased), Pauline (deceased) and Castro. She attended Dante Elementary School and Lucy Flowers High School. In 1945, she moved to Hopkins Park, Illinois where she met and fell in love with Lorenzo Smith. Lorenzo and Hazel were married on June 30, 1947. To this union was born Gloria, Lorenzo Jr., Karen, Esther Jean, Linda, Valerie and Eric. Hazel knew the value of education and coupled with the fact that her now husband was principal of the local elementary school district, Hazel went back to school to finish her high school education. Hazel then enrolled, and graduated from Olivet Nazarene College on May 25, 1970, and then went on to receive her Masters of Education Degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign on August 5, 1974. Hazel was heard stating many times that one of the best things that she ever did for herself was to pursue her education. She became an elementary school teacher and could not believe that she was receiving a paycheck for something that she loved doing. After 33 years of marriage, Smitty passed away in 1980. Hazel was grateful for the life that she had with Smitty and all that they accomplished together. Hazel was a devoted member of Rehoboth Mennonite Church having served as its treasurer for many years. She was also a member of Seniors on the Go, The Red Hatters, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. The thing that she wants us all to know is that for sure during this lifetime we are all going to get knocked down, yet, don’t stay there. You have got to get back up. No matter how long it takes you, you’ve got to get back up and keep looking up. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Gloria Watkins, Linda L. Smith, Valerie (Johnny) Johnson; son, Eric (Nikki) Smith; daughter-in-law, Gloria Smith; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. “Have bags will travel” was the motto of Hazel Elizabeth Guerrero Smith who took her final flight to heaven on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020, at the age of 90. Below are the public links for the viewing and service. Viewing Broadcast Link Viewing for Hazel E. Smith | 11:00am-12:30pm CST Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85390661423 To join via telephone: Dial +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 853 9066 1423 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcIRuizB45 Service Broadcast Link Celebration of Life Service for Hazel E. Smith | 1:00pm CST Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88196665904 To join via telephone: Dial +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 881 9666 5904 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kd43zL08Cd