Hazel Geneva Stoute

HAZEL’S JOURNEY... Hazel Geneva Stoute quietly departed this life on Thursday evening, May 13, 2021 at St John’s Hospital in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Hazel was born to the late Doris and George Baines in Exmore, Virginia on June 11, 1948. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, and cruising with her family and friends. Hazel was a very private but loving and caring person. Hazel was also lauded by all for her exceptional cooking skills and savory meals, especially her oxtails with peas and rice, and “crack” chicken. The girl could cook! Hazel was educated in the Northampton County, Virginia school system through high school graduation in 1966. She briefly attended Maryland State College (now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore) in Princess Anne, Maryland. Afterwards, in 1968, she traveled to New York in pursuit of employment in the medical and social services-related career fields. Upon completion of several Professional Development Courses, she became a Registered Medical Assistant. At the time of her transition, Hazel was employed with The Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where she was employed for thirty-five years. Hazel received several accolades for her work. However, most notably was the recognition she received from the State of New York (2019) for her tireless efforts, advocacy, and supervisory leadership as part of The Children’s Village team. Hazel often cited that she was inspired to "try" this work because of her mother's spirit of giving and community service. To that end, Hazel spent over three decades on the frontline with that same commitment and love for children and families at The Children’s Village Residential Treatment Facility Cottage on the Dobbs Ferry Campus. Her skills in responding to children and de-escalating dangerous situations were often recognized and celebrated by the multiple staff she interacted with and mentored as Cottage supervisor. Her impact was also acknowledged by the thousand of teens and families she encountered, many of whom have kept in contact with her and credited her for pouring into their lives. The late Earl Simmons “aka’ DMX was one of those teens who often returned to visit her as an alumnus of the Cottage. Hazel’s life and legacy will be cherished by: three sons, Kenneth O’Brian (Chiyuki) Baines of Miami FL, Anthony Stoute (Liz) of Clifton, NJ and Kevin (Jasmin) Stoute of New York, NY; four grandchildren, Mariana Stoute, Aaron Duncan, Jhesani Stoute and Khaijae Stoute and one great-grandchild, Aaron Moser Duncan. Hazel’s memory will also be treasured by: three sisters, Juanita (James) Fletcher of New Castle, DE, Mildred (Garland) Hayward of Princess Anne, MD and Barbara (Preston) Giddens of Fayetteville, NC; three brothers, Wayne Baines and Andrew (Linda) Baines, both of Westover, MD and Edmund Baines of Charlotte, NC; one great-aunt, Lillie Ayers (107 years old) of Painter, VA; one aunt, Lena (Lorenzo) Cropper of Westover, MD; one uncle, Earl (Sheila) Richardson of Salisbury, MD; several nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. In addition to her parents, George and Doris Baines, Hazel was preceded in death by her sister, Phanorris (Tiny) Baines and brothers, George, Charles and Fred Weatherly. SORROWFULLY SUBMITTED WITH ENDLESS LOVE, THE FAMILY OF HAZEL GENEVA STOUTE

Hazel Geneva Stoute

June 11, 1948 - May 13, 2021