Hazel Moody left this physical plane on Sunday, March 17, 2024. At the time of her transition, she was surrounded by the love of her family members. She was married to Jesse Lloyd Moody, Jr. for almost 25 years. She was well loved by her children, the ones she birthed and the ones she raised, her grandchildren and great­ grandchildren. She was a mother figure for too many people to count because she opened her home and her heart freely. Her influence with her friends, co-workers and neighbors is vast and long-reaching. If you met Ms. Hazel and spent any time with her, you felt the warmth and love that emanated from within her heart.

She was born in Warrenton, North Carolina to Edward and Daisy Bryant. She was one of 10 children born to her beloved mother. Her family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she was raised, and she graduated from Frederick Douglas High School. Hazel was a natural teacher who believed in the power of education to uplift and empower people to live and thrive in their dreams. Always an inspiration to those around her, she demonstrated her belief in education by earning an Associate of Arts Degree from the Community College of Baltimore, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Towson State University, a Master of Education Degree from Coppin State College and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Johns Hopkins University. Hazel was a special educator, early childhood educator and a reading specialist. She served as a master teacher in the Baltimore County Public School System for 33 years.

As much as she loved teaching, her other great passion was dance. She loved African dance and danced with Sankofa Dance Theater in Baltimore and studied with KanKouran West African Dance Company in Washington, DC. Ms. Moody started many dance clubs and organizations throughout the years.