Obituary for Hazel (Growe) Alvarez

June 11, 1925 – October 28, 2025

Hazel (Growe) Alvarez, affectionately known by many as Hay, Mom, Gigi, Granny, Auntie, Sister, and countless other endearing names, went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was 100 years old.

Born on June 11, 1925, in Vacherie, Louisiana, Hazel was the beloved daughter of the late Ames Growe and Leona Hodges. At the age of five, Hazel was lovingly “adopted” into the Butler-Christian family. While this adoption broadened her world, she maintained a deep connection to her Vacherie-Growe roots.

Hazel attended the historic Snow Hill Boarding School in Snow Hill, Alabama, where she excelled academically and was admired for her grace and skill as a majorette and baton twirler. Her early years shaped a lifetime of discipline, kindness, and care for others.

Hazel dedicated her professional life to caregiving — a calling that reflected her generous spirit. She spent many years working at Jo Ellen Smith Living Center in New Orleans, where she was known for her compassion and dedication to those in her care. Even after relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, she continued this work until the remarkable age of 91. After moving back to New Orleans, she was caregiver and confidant to her sister Mary Louise Williams until 99.

But Hazel’s caregiving extended far beyond her profession. Her home was a place of warmth and refuge, always open to family, friends, and anyone in need of a place to rest or feel loved. She rarely turned anyone away, embodying the true meaning of hospitality and grace.

She was a loving mother to Hazel Utionette Valentin Lynn Carter (José), Norna Armstead, and Karl Barrie. She also patiently and generously helped raise grandchildren Gary Armstead (Chanda), Prince Armstead, Mignon Armstead, and Edward Ballard. She was deeply loved and cared for by neice Jackie Williams and was God-mother to Semaj Jenkins as well.

Gigi is preceded in death by her beloved children Karl Barrie and Norna Armstead; by her sisters Carolyn, Catherine (Sadie), Charlotte, Elnora, Mable, Norna, and brothers Alfred, Ames Jr., Cleveland, James, and John; and by her faithful companion Mr Wellington Swindall.

Hazel’s life was a testament to faith, family, and the quiet power of love in action. Her legacy will continue to shine brightly through all those who were blessed to know and love her. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 12 great, great grandchildren, and a host of neices, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. She maintained a life of fellowship and commitment to Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Marrero, LA under Pastor Thomas Brown. She loved her pastor and made sure he knew as she blew him a kiss every Sunday she was in attendance. She also faithfully attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ under Pastor Isaac Pitre.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

-- 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

--1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)