Hazel Bernice Dale

1926 - 2009

Hazel Bernice Dale joined the angels on March 9, 2009. She began life on May 23, 1926 in Seminole, OK. She was the third daughter of Pearlene Handy Rhodes.
Hazel Dale is the mother of five children, Lee Andrew Dale of Buffalo, NY; Wayne Gary Dale (deceased), Clifford Hules Dale (Joyce) of Merced; Deborah J Greer (Homer) of Atwater; Leonard Archie Dale (deceased). She is the grandmother of seven and great grandmother of sixteen children. She was the special friend of William McNeill.
Hazel Dale was a founding member of Time of Refreshing COGIC in Merced. She later became a member of Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church and finally when she joined Second Baptist Church at the age of 77, she was baptized. She was an active member of the Second Baptist Women's Mission and a founding member and active member of the Perry Yokley Senior Center.
Always a loving caregiver, Hazel helped to care for her younger siblings, her own children and spent a long career in nursing.
All those who were touched by Hazel's life were enriched and elevated to a higher sense. In addition to her children, Hazel Dale leaves to celebrate her life, her three sisters and three brothers; Bobbie J Gallon (Frank) of Winton, CA; Joyce A Dorsey of Buffalo, NY; Jacqueline Bulluck (Vancy) of Winton, CA, Lenard Rhodes (Dorothy Jean) of Merced, CA; Myron N Rhodes; and Abraham Rhodes Jr. (Joellen) both of Sacramento, CA. Sisters Coriene Cater (McKay) deceased; Emma J Gant (James) deceased.
Hazel's life is also celebrated by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 16, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at the Second Baptist Church 501 Q Street in Merced. Burial will follow at Merced District Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.