Spotlight Upon Unsung Heroes

Hazel J. Stroud: Angel of Mercy, Humanitarian, Christian,

Devoted Wife and Mother

By Wilbur Thirkield Titus

Mrs. Hazel J. Stroud, the heroine that I present to you today has touched the 
lives of many people and has made signicant contributions to the communities in
which she has lived. One would need many pages to adequately describe her many
contributions and accolades, nevertheless we shall give you a bird’s eye view 
of this reputable citizen, loyal Christian, devoted wife and mother, committed
humanitarian and friend.

Her most admirable character traits are her compassionate and unselfish 
demeanor, moral character, honesty, loyalty to family and friends and obedience
to constituted authority and to God. She is talented, has administrative 
ability with a heavy dose of determination that enables her to get things done.

Hazel, the youngest child of J, B, and Sarah Belle Roberts, was born on July 17,
1924 and grew up in the Turner Community, which is 6 miles from Will’s Point in
Van Zant County, Texas. She attended Turner Baptist Church and Turner Community
School and graduated from Will’s Point High School.

One of her favorite stories occurred when she was sixteen years of age, in 
civics class in high school. Her cousin, Harvey, who was seated behind her 
pulled her hair, which he delighted in doing. When she turned to hit him, her 
heart stopped beating! Behind him , staring at her was (what was to her,) the 
most handsome boy in the world, Randall Stroud, who, five years later became her
husband for life. After completing high school, she spent two years in North 
Texas Teachers College while and Randall entered Texas University and later join
ed the US Navy. She attended Athens Nursing School, an adjunct of Henderson 
County Junior College, where she trained to be an L,V.N.

After Randall was discharged from the navy, Hazel and Randall were married on 
October 23, 1944 and five years later David Randall, their only child was born.

She worked nine years in the Bonham Texas Hospital and two years in the 
Fairfield Hospital. During all of these years she was active in religious and 
humanitarian activities of the communities in which she lived. She volunteered
as activities director of Fair View Manor. She devoted much time to the care of
less fortunate relatives and others. She helped youngsters with their education.
She provided assistance freely when asked.

She sang in the choir of First Baptist Church, Fairfield., was the director of 
activities for Reunion Center, Fairfield, Texas, wrote a column for the 
Fairfield Recorder for a number of years and did what she could to make this a
better world.

I am impressed by the way that she handled adversity, especially the loss of 
Randall, her siblings and parents. When I asked her how she handled adversity,
she replied, "I am saved, and I put in the hands of Jesus!"

After their health failed, our heroine and her husband moved to Amarillo, Texas
to be near their children, David and Terrie. She and Randall joined St. Paul 
United Methodist Church. After Randall’s death, she rejoined First Baptist 
Church of Fairfield, Texas, where she continues to spread sunshine as she 
journeys to meet her Savior and her beloved Randall in heaven.

For additional information, contact the A. M. Hunter Titus Charitable Cultural
Center, Inc. At 903-389-3482.