Hazel Chambers

BIOGRAPHY

Hazel Chambers was born in the community of Cowdensville in Baltimore, Maryland, on 11 June 1915. As an only child, Hazel joined Bethel AME Church in Baltimore alongside her parents, drawn by the presence of extended family, including her aunt, Nannie Duckett. Hazel was deeply involved in the church community—she worked in the finance room, accompanied church officers to make bank deposits, answered phones, cared for the Bishop’s ailing mother, cleaned the bathrooms, and contributed in countless other ways.

Living in Arbutus, Hazel rode the streetcar to Booker T. Washington Junior High School, as there were no school buses at the time. She graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1934. Her first job after graduation was as a domestic worker in the Arbutus area, earning $5 per week. She later worked as a dental assistant and eventually retired from the dietary department at Spring Grove Hospital.

Hazel never married. She earned her driver’s license at the age of 40 and, a few years later, purchased her own Chevrolet. When asked about the secret to a long and fulfilling life, she simply replied, “Minding my own business. I keep my opinions to myself.”

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Eli Logan, and validated by LongeviQuest on 18 June 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Bethel, Baltimore Honors Its Oldest Member During Women’s History Month” – The Christian Recorder, 31 May 2019

* 105th birthday mention – Historic Frederick Douglass High School Alumni Association

GALLERY

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