Hazel Virginia Wortham was born on April 2, 1936 in Washington, DC.

After graduating from high school, she attended cosmetology school, in Minnesota, where she met her former husband LeRoy Wortham Sr. In 1968, Hazel relocated to Tacoma to be near her parents.

Hazel and her children joined Shiloh Baptist Church upon their arrival in Tacoma, and Hazel became a member of the Gospel Chorus. Being a woman of strong faith, she encouraged her children, family, and friends to build a personal relationship with God.

While Hazel held many jobs over her years, her top priority was caring for her nine children. The love she had for her children extended to her grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren. She earned the special name of “Grandma Shorty” from her great grandchildren.

An avid reader, Hazel enjoyed reading her Bible daily, as well as newspapers, and novels. Her reading made her a crossword puzzle expert. Hazel loved to watch baseball and was a devoted Mariners fan. A basketball and field hockey athlete, she enjoyed attending and sideline coaching her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. In her leisure time Hazel enjoyed playing BINGO and card games.

Hazel is preceded in death by her parents Rosia and Frank Edge, her sisters Georgianna and Sarah, her lifelong companion James Pettway, sons Tony and Jimmy “James Jr.”, and daughter Connie.

Hazel is with our Lord now, and she leaves to mourn her, siblings Paul and Paulette, daughters Pandora, Virginia, Debi (Rufus), Clister (Butch), Traci, and son LeRoy Jr. (Nancy); 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members; life-long friends Ms. Barbara Johnson, Mr. Clarence Bennet and the Bennet family, and Mr. Acey Lovett and the Lovett family; and many more friends.

Viewing Services

4-7pm, Thursday March 28th.

Funeral Services

10am, Friday March 29th. Both services to be held at Shiloh Baptist church 1211 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405