Hazel Marie Birney (Walls) of Newark, DE. passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on Tuesday July 16, 2019. She was born June 16, 1927 in Ridgely, MD to Maude Ella and Amos Martin Walls The true matriarch of her family, she was 92 years old and had lived a full life as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great, great-grandmother and great, great, great-grandmother.

In May of 1944 she met her true soul mate, David T Birney, they married 5 months later on October 21, 1944 when she was just 17 years old. Together they went on to make their home in Newark, DE where they raised 7 children and 1 foster child. She also opened her home to nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbors and even the occasional stranger that needed a safe shelter. They were always given a good home, cooked meal, and a dose of sound advice whether they wanted it or not. David and Hazel shared 67 1/2 years together before his passing in April 2012.

What Hazel enjoyed most was just spending time with her family whether it was on family vacations, holidays or being involved in various activities with her children and grandkids which included roller skating at Merryland Roller Rink, being a Girl Scout Leader, a Cub Scout Den Mother and Boy Scout helper. She was a well-loved Sunday School teacher at Salem UMC in Newark for nearly 30 years from the 1960's through the early 1990's. Throughout the years she was also a home child care provider, who genuinely loved being with children as they lifted her spirits with their innocence and smiles. This part of her character never wavered as she welcomed the latest addition to her family, little Harper (who's smile always brighten her day right up to her very last Tuesday visit).

A true faithful follower of Christ, she knew where her eternal home would be and is finally at peace reunited with those she missed so much.

She was preceded in death by her parents Maude Ella and Amos Martin Walls, devoted husband David T. Birney, her beloved sons, David T. Birney Jr, George M. Birney, son-in-laws; Edward Kobetich, Lars Gamborg-Nielsen; her brothers; William, Amos Jr, George, Victor, James, John(Buzzy), Louis(Butch) and her sister Maude (Sissy).

She is survived and will be dearly missed by her children; Jane Kobetich of Abilene, KS, Mildred Gamborg-Nielsen of Newark,DE, John Birney and wife Beth of Hartly, DE, Susan Mills of Newark, DE, Frank Birney and wife Tracy of Newark, DE. Christian Wailes of Wilmington, DE. 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren and 1 great-great great-grandchild as well as her sisters; Ruthann Roberts and Anna May Lewis.

Relatives and friends are invited to share in a service of celebration of life for Hazel at Salem United Methodist Church, Newark, DE on Tuesday July 23, 2019. Visitation is from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM. A Service will follow at 11:00 AM with interment immediately following at Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for contributions to be made in Hazel's name to Delaware Hospice 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor Newark, DE 19711 or can be Made online at https://www.delawarehospice.org/donate

To sign the online guestbook, please click the tab marked "View and Sign Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews–Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.