Hazel L. Phipps

PHIPPS, Hazel Lasseter Born December 25, 1928 in Florala, Alabama, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 2, 2017. She moved to Boca Raton, Florida in 1964 after living briefly in Pittsburgh, PA. She attended Florida Atlantic University where she obtained her Bachelor and Master degrees and studied for, but did not obtain, a PhD in Education. Her career began as an English teacher, then Guidance Counselor, and finished as an Assistant Principle at Hagen Ranch Elementary School in Boynton Beach, FL. While working as a school administrator, she volunteered her time nights and weekends to write grants for the Caridad Center. She was an integral part of the formation of this clinic to help migrant workers and their children obtain healthcare. The Caridad Center is now one of the largest in the state of Florida that offers free healthcare. When her dear friend, Caridad, won an award for her humanitarian efforts from the current President Bill Clinton, Cari invited Hazel to a lunch in the White House Rose Garden as a way of recognizing her tireless efforts. Hazel was an avid reader and enjoyed the company of her many books. In 1999, she retired to St. Petersburg, FL and continued her love of reading. Hazel is survived by her two daughters, Susan Grace Phipps of St Petersburg, FL, Linda Rebecca Vilamaa (husband Peter) of Midland, NC, and devoted granddaughter, Lauren Phipps Murphy of St Petersburg, FL. Hazel is also survived by her brothers and sister, Ottis Lasseter (wife Barbara), Glen Lasseter (wife Jenell), and Grace Majerczak (husband Joseph and daughter Caroline). Hazel will be laid to rest on Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 next to her beloved parents, Archie Lockard Lasseter and Beulah Mae Miller, in the Greenwood Cemetery, Florala, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The Caridad Center (formerly called The Migrant Association of South Florida), 8645 West Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 or to the Lockhart Baptist Church, Lockhart, AL 36455.