Hazel Armbrister

September 6, 1931 - March 16, 2021

We speak her name......Hazel Dell Kelley Armbrister, We speak her name A giant lifeline has been severed and many will be affected by this disconnect. This prominent lifeline, securely wrapped up in a petite female package has been dis- connected from her place on this earth and moved to claim her residence in the celes- tial place called...heaven. We speak her name... Hazel Armbrister. Hazel, a longtime resident of Pompano, made an impressive impact in the history of the city and the lives of many people. On March 16, 2021, the connection was severed. Her presence will be missed as she was an outspoken lifeline to the Pompano community. Hazel was the oldest daughter of 8 children born to the parentage of Cora Jane Kelley and Joe Kelley. Her name, ‘Hazel’, meaning “God sees”, embodied the persona of a strong but determined person of authority and protection. It was destined that she would be a trailblazer and do great things to write the story of her legacy. For the many impressive and notable women who have transitioned from this fair city to the other side of glory, the name, Hazel Armbrister will be added to the list. Again, We speak her name ...as she was a quiet but discerning woman who wore many hats, titles, and recognitions that spoke to the heart and conscience of others. She was well known and her name holds great influence in many organizations and places throughout the local areas and as well as the state of Florida; Hazel touched the lives of many from all corners. Hazel lived her legacy and proved that her life served a purpose and her living was not in vain. Although she lived in Pompano for many years, she moved to Broward county in the 50’s, from her birth site, Perry, Florida in hopes of finding a job. Hazel was the caring and loving little big sister who took over the role of ‘mother hen’ to help her mother with the younger siblings. All throughout her life, Hazel had to constantly battle many challenges. It was her inner strength and strong faith that carried her through as she took each to task. Hazel was baptized as a child in Perry and raised in the Triumph Church and Methodist A.M.E. under the watchful eyes of her parents and family. She was a devout Christian and active church member throughout her life. As a young adult, she later joined the Episcopal Church. She was determined to make a successful path on her life’s journey. In doing so, she met the love of her life and soulmate, David “Sparky” Armbrister and together they built a home to support a family. She was the first African American in Broward County to receive her GED in 1953 and later trained as a Teacher’s Aide in 1966. Still on her path to success, she worked and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from USF in 1974. While working in various jobs and raising a family, she later returned to the university and earned her Master’s degree in 1975. Hazel was a courageous trailblazer who was not afraid of a challenge; thus it was her destiny to make big paths in untraveled territory. All throughout her adult life, Hazel’s grace, faith and love were bountiful and equally shared among her family, friends and everyone who met her. She understood her purpose and knew that she was chosen to play the lead role as a critical fulfillment to her Destiny; mediocrity was not in her designed path. As life’s challenges would have it, Hazel proved her worth. Her paths took her from the bean fields to the classroom and she did not allow anything to hinder her determined path. Her self-assigned journey was for the good of restoring history and dignity in the Black community. Hazel was a formidable foe against naysayers and a kind but determined “ humble hellion” for a cause ....We speak her name. Her strength, confidence and intellect were God’s graces that she shared in all of her destined roles in life: First and foremost, over 27 years, she and David “Sparky” worked as a family unit on a mission until his untimely death; she was a devoted and loving mother of two daughters and a son and several adopted children; Her love and memories for all were unparalleled; she was a dedicated and faithful lector at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church; her impressive professional life was initiated as she was the first African American teacher’s aide in Broward County and moved on to become a remarkably dedicated teacher who taught school for over 33 years. As We speak her name, Hazel, we must recognize her savvy leadership and teaching skills that extended far beyond the classroom: she was a teacher of life; Many will remember her not only as a focused trailblazer but more so a staunch community leader/activist and political aspirant; she was former chair and vice chair of the Broward Democratic Club. Hazel was well known and respected for her parliamentary procedures in the local and state political arena; Many believed she helped write the Robert’s Rules of Order. Hazel loved her community and worked hard to help upgrade and maintain its integrity. She was not only actively involved in many social, religious and civic organization but in many she held important positions: Pompano Beach Historian, President and a founding member of her beloved Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, First African American member and president of the Pompano Beach Women’s Club, former Chair of Broward County Historic Preservation and dedicated member and former chair of Elly Lodder Daughters of the King Chapter. When We speak her name, we can be assured that if there is an issue/mission, she, Hazel Armbrister, was actively involved as a champion for the cause. Hazel worked and showed up for the people who loved her thus the severed line to family, friends and the community will leave a prominent gap in the hearts and lives of many. She did her life right, she fulfilled her mission and left no dashes or stones unturned. As We speak her name, Hazel Armbrister, and reflect on the many impressionable memories and unchallenged extensions of her love and con- cern, we can proudly speak her name, Hazel Armbrister. Hazel made her humble transition to her final destination: a place of serenity and comfort . She followed her journey and carved the trail that was destined solely for her legacy. Her extensive family and friends, and the community of Pompano have lost an important and significant lifeline and her quiet demeanor, unconditional love and confident personality can never be replaced but always revered. Endearing Relatives and Friends Who speak her name: Her children: Lydia Wilson (Richard), Chicago, IL; Anita Soto, Alpharetta, GA; Marion (Karen), West Palm Beach, FL; Sister: Marguerite K. Luster, Pompano Beach, FL; Brothers: Samuel (Fiorella) Kelley, Mt. Vernon, NY; Virdin Brown, St. Croix, U.S. VI; Deceased siblings: Altherenease K. Gamble, Ernest Kelley, Early Kelley, Ruthamae Kelley; Grands: Brett, Hannah; Kevin, Carlos, Kenny, LaToya, Schnequa, Whitney; Loving Great grands, nieces and nephews; Loving and Caring Bonus family of Jacksonville, FL and Nassau, Bahamas; Devoted God daughter: Kyllan White; Special Angel and adopted son: Jimmy Lane; and her loving extensive family and friends near and afar. In Hazel’s words, “If you live right, you will get 70 years! Anything over that is gravy on the potatoes.” Hazel made some delicious gravy for she added 19 more years to the stewing. Hazel’s life will always be revered for all of her gifts of presence, unconditional love, unquestionable support and genuine concern and relentless personality. We know that when We speak her name.. Hazel, did her work here on earth and now her peaceful transition is complete. The paths in her journey were in God’s Plan and up- on her entrance God will say “Well done my good and faithful servant, you have molded the paths and reached the end of your journey. Assuredly, your living was not in vain!” We speak her name, Hazel Dell Kelley Armbrister