Biography: Donald Lamont Hazel was born January 31, 1983 in the Bronx, New York. He is a beloved son of Melody Hazel and Donald Stoudmeyer (also known as Big Donald).
Although Donald was keenly aware and uniquely inquisitive as a baby, he officially started his life of education at P.S. 86 in the Bronx, where he learned the fundamentals of completing and solving equations.
Donald also acquired a great love and passion for basketball, a sport and skillset that he would hone as he made his way through Monroe High School as a very well established point guard for Monroe’s Basketball Team. He made both the all-city team and played in the all-star game. He would eventually leave Monroe moving forward in life as a young adult. He took a position of employment at his fathers company, S&H Security where he remained gainfully employed.
Donald decided on a new direction and geographical change that put him on a path to Columbia, South Carolina. There he met and married Devonia-Lawson Hazel, to whom he faithfully upheld his commitment to honor, protect and provide. He was a family man who loved and adored his kids and he was more than grateful when life had afforded him the opportunity to embrace the role of fatherhood. He took his responsibilities as a parent with exceptional pride in raising and providing for his family.
Donald was a man of great humor, compassion and love. He leaves to mourn: his parents, Melody Hazel and Donald Stoudmeyer; his wife of eleven years, Devonia Lawson Hazel; seven children: La’Von, Sierra, Kenny, Kierra, Kyrie, Ja’Von and Rhyan; four grandchildren: Trinity, Tre’Von, La’tavon and Sergio; three brothers: Damien Hazel, Darren Hazel and Shamel Hazel; two sisters: Crystal and Shaniqua; his grandmother Carol Hazel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Donald has carried with him a great spirit of energy and contagious affection that will be strongly missed. As we move forward in our lives, we are forever grateful for sharing in Donald’s love and the strength of his character like no other.
Rest in Peace Our Beloved.