Denise Annette Hazelwood

Denise Annette Arrington Hazelwood, affectionally called “Niecy” by everyone, is the daughter of the late Willie and Geneva Arrington. She was born on March 5, 1954. She celebrated her last birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Denise attended Indianapolis Public Schools, #110 and #69. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1972. She later attended IUPUI, where she pursued a career in nursing.
Her first job was at Howard Sams. This is where she met and later married David Hazelwood. Their loving union lasted fifteen years. She later worked at Poppin Fresh Restaurant, Cub Foods and Chicago’s Pizza, before landing a career as a Qualified Medical Assistant for Hooverwood Nursing Home.
Denise was a very private person, but she loved life and loved her family. Although Niecy never had children of her own, she loved her nieces and nephews as though they were her own. Niecy had a very festive spirit and loved celebrating holidays, when her niece, “Mick” and her nephews, “Boosie” and “Tiny” were young, she would throw elaborate parties to celebrate every holiday! Her parties included balloons, themed decorations, party hats, cake, punch, music and gift bags. These wonderful parties will forever hold a very special place in the hearts of her niece and her nephews. She loved to bake Christmas cookies and she was famous for her Mexican Wedding cakes, thumbprint cookies and her Rice Krispy wreaths. Niecy also loved plants and enjoyed planting flowers.
Niecy loved dogs, especially her last two dogs, Lizzie and CoCo. Niecy even had a very special “dog voice!” If you were lucky enough to have heard her “dog talk”, it is something you will never forget and it will always put a smile on your face when you think of her “dog voice.” Debbie probably heard Niecy’s “dog talk” more than anyone else, as the two of them would talk on the phone for hours at a time.
Denise accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Greater St. Mark Baptist Church, pastored then by the late Reverend Alexander Bernard. She sang in the church choir and was so dedicated to the church, that she would even ride the bus to get there-no matter the weather. Later in life, she transferred to Tabernacle of Hope Seventh Day Adventist church, where the late Judy Crawford was pastor.
Denise’s health started to decline in 2007 after the death of both of her parent. Her health continued to spiral downward, until she very peacefully passed away on Monday, March 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Denise will be missed by everyone who knew her, especially her sister “Debbie.” They called themselves “partners in crime”.
To forever cherish her memory, Denise leaves behind, the man that put a smile on her face until the very end, Richard Gamble, her five sisters, Cheryl Williams-Fields, Linda Thompson, Sandra Roney, Debbie Arrington and Terri Finkton (Keith), Nieces; Michelle, Shannon, Jasmine, Tanisha and great niece India. Nephews; Conry , Walter, Justin, Tony, friends and caregivers who loved her dearly. A special thanks to Jayda and Janae Dixon for taking such great care of her as her health declined and for never saying “no” to her requests of going to Dollar Tree, Kroger and Taco Bell, her favorite places.
Due to the coronavirus, a private service will be held.