Life and Legacy of Willie “Hazel” Doty
Willie “Hazel” Doty was born on July 7, 1939, to Alvin and Artie Peoples (née Cary) in the Churchill community of Cherokee County, Texas.
She was raised and educated in Churchill and Jacksonville, Texas, and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1957, earning the distinction of Salutatorian of her class. Hazel proudly claimed credit for the academic success of her children and grandchildren, always encouraging excellence. During high school, she participated in several extracurricular activities, including serving as a cheerleader for the Fred Douglass Mighty Dragons.
After graduation, Hazel chose nursing as her profession. She completed the Nan Travis Vocational Nursing Program and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). She worked faithfully in various roles, including in doctors’ offices and as a school nurse for the Jacksonville Head Start program.
Hazel married her high school sweetheart, Charles Doty, and together they shared sixty-five beautiful years of marriage. Their union was blessed with two children: a daughter, De'Londa, and a son, Charlvin.
Hazel accepted Christ at Churchill CME church where she attended throughout her childhood. Later in life, she joined North Bolton Street Christian Church, where she served faithfully on the program committee and was honored to be called the mother of the Church.
Hazel was a creative, artistic woman. She loved flower gardening, fashion, and decorating. She was also an avid collector—of porcelain figurines, teapots, salt, and pepper shakers—but mostly she collected people. Her heart and home were always open. If someone needed a mother, a sister, or a friend, Hazel stepped in to fill that role. If you were a close friend of her children, you were family. If you grew up on her street, you were family. If she worked with you, you were family.
She was also known for her warm hospitality. Hazel loved to gather people together and hosted countless events to include reunions, weddings, showers, parties, and the cherished Doty New Year’s Day Dinner. Her home was a hub of love, laughter, and good food. Only her declining health brought an end to her gift for entertaining.
Hazel departed from this world into her heavenly home on July 21, 2025. Although she had health challenges for years, her health significantly declined following the passing of her beloved husband, Charles. Doctors attributed the decline to "Broken Heart Syndrome.” They were separated by less than two months. Her parents, Alvin and Artie Peoples, and her brother, Maharold Peoples, Sr. also preceded her in death.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories in the hearts of her family: Daughter: De’Londa Poole (Jessie); Son: Charlvin B. Doty (Loretta); Grandchildren: Tiffani L. Bush (Donald), Charlvin Torre Doty (Adriane), Michella Jones (Otto), and Jesse T. Poole (Jannery); Great-grandchildren: Raydon Bush, Riley Bush, Charlvin Torian Doty, Mison Cauley, Ottavia Bell, Anthony Aberu-Zar Zar, Layla Poole, Victoria Poole, Isabella Poole, Zachary Poole; Great-great-grandchild: Jacquise Bell; Sister: Veriece Tilley (Thomas); Brothers: Hiram Peoples (Hallie) and James Peoples (Brenda); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and lifelong friends.
Hazel Doty lived a life marked by faith, compassion, and joyful service. Her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her will deeply miss her.
Public Viewing
Friday, July 25, 2025
10:00a.m. - 5:00pm
Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home
415 N. Main St.
Jacksonville, Tx 75766
Funeral Service
Saturday, July 26, 2025
2:00pm
Kingdom Christian Center
411 S. Bolton St.
Jacksonville, Tx 75766
