Aaron Hazewood Lemon

I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course; I have kept my faith. 
                                                                                        II Timothy 4:7 

Aaron Hazewood Lemon was born on March 13, 1939, in Gloucester, Virginia, to the late Aaron Hazewood Lemon, Sr. and Alayes Webb Lemon. Born during a time when events signaled the coming of the Second World War, Aaron learned early in life what it meant to be a provider and hard worker. These values were further ingrained in him with the passing of his mother when he was only twelve years old. Aaron was the oldest of four children; sisters Barbara and Jane preceded him in death, and brother Everett lives in the Bronx, New York.

Aaron knew how to make ends meet and take care of family. He worked effortlessly to take care of his siblings, ensuring they had an abundant life. These values laid the foundation for the coming of Aaron's extraordinary life as a Family Man.

He left Gloucester as a teen and moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1957.  He later joined the United States Army and was stationed overseas. After his tour of duty, he returned to Brooklyn and met his beautiful wife, Joann McCloud of Elizabethtown, NC. Her family adored Aaron, and they married in June of 1964.

Aaron was an avid reader of the daily newspapers. He also enjoyed playing checkers, dominoes, and card games. He worked at the U. S. Postal Service for eight years.  He and Joann made their home in a deluxe high-rise apartment in the sky, where they enjoyed exciting and historical times. You see, the office of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the US Congress, and first black candidate to run for President, was housed in the lobby of their building.

Their son Christopher was born in 1968, and Aaron took an active role in his life, juggling work with Christopher's Little League games and more. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Jennifer, in 1973, and more joy was bestowed upon the home.

Jennifer remembers her dad taking her to teen parties, but she wanted to be cool and not be dropped off at the front door, so Aaron would let her out of the car at the corner but would circle back to ensure she was safe. He loved making people happy, and at the same time, safety was a priority. Their secret routine continued until Jennifer entered Bowie State University.

In 1975, Aaron started his career as a bus driver for the New York City Transit Authority and retired after nearly thirty years of service.  Outgrowing their Brooklyn apartment in the late 1970s, Aaron surprised Joann with the purchase of a beautiful home in Laurelton, New York.  Joann was extremely proud of his accomplishment. Their home soon became the focal point for family gatherings, cookouts, great memories, and Aaron's famous potato salad.

Aaron grew in his faith and began attending Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Laurelton, where he served as an usher.  A man of service, Aaron also drove the bus for Redeemer Lutheran School.  The parishioners loved Aaron, and when he told them of his plans to move to Williamsburg, Virginia, in 2007, a farewell party was held to honor him and all those who loved him to say “Goodbye.”

Once settled in Williamsburg, the couple joined New Zion Baptist Church where Aaron joined the men’s and senior choirs.  He enjoyed the fellowship and road trips.

Now, the couple had more time to travel. In 2008, he and Joann were joined by his brother Everett and his wife Carol on the epic Queen Mary Transatlantic Cruise.

After a short illness, Aaron surrendered to be with the ancestors on Friday, January 10, 2025. This Servant, Family Man leaves to continue his legacy of love, his devoted wife Joann of sixty years; his son Christopher Lemon (Brooke) of Jamaica, New York; daughter Jennifer Lemon of New Haven, Connecticut; granddaughters, Camryn Lemon and Kyler Lemon; grandson Aaron Michael Lemon; brother Everett Lemon (Carol) of Bronx, New York; sisters-in-law, Mary Dawkins and Ellen Lewis, both of Elizabethtown, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

See you on the other side, Aaron. Guide and light the way for us.

A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at noon Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at New Zion Baptist Church, with Dr. Robert A. Whitehead Sr. officiating.  Mr. Lemon may be viewed in the church on Wednesday beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be held at Noon on Friday, January 24, 2025 in Purdie Cemetery, Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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