Hazel "Sissy" Dollar

Hazel Bernice Dollar, 65, of Diamondhead, MS, passed away on September 28, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS. Hazel was born on March 8, 1960, in Mississippi to her parents, James "Sonny" and Mary Louise (Yates) Pharis, Sr. 

Hazel Dollar was the center of her family; she was the heart. As a young mother, she devoted her time and energy to her family. She showed her love through acts of service - from helping to build and run a successful business, to cooking meals from scratch (sometimes more than one to please a picky eater), to helping with homework and last-minute school projects. She was the best cook in the family and an amazing cake decorator. She blessed everyone with beautiful cakes to celebrate all occasions and refused to accept any form of payment. As her children grew older, she returned to college to fulfill her dream of working in healthcare. It was then that she truly bloomed. After suffering from anxiety for decades, she won the battle and began traveling. She had checked many destinations off her bucket list and was planning to travel to Europe the following year. She made many friendships that led to fun adventures and the discovery of her new passion – living history. Whether it was Vikings, pirates, WWII, or Civil War reenactments, she did the research, designed the best outfits, and lived in another time – even if it was only for the weekend. She was always the first to offer to help, and she welcomed everyone with her big, beautiful smile. Despite all the fun, her greatest passion was still her family. Spending time with her grandkids was her favorite adventure…whether it was trips to the store for snacks, road trips across states, baking together, attending their games, or a snuggle and a movie at home, she always cherished those moments. She was adored by so many and leaves behind a hole in the family that will never be filled. 

Hazel is preceded in death by her parents, James "Sonny" and Mary Pharis, Sr.; one brother, James Leo Pharis, Jr.; and one sister, Mary "Tut" Wood. Left to cherish her memory, are her children, Cathy Rae Dollar of Diamondhead, Denise (Matt) Wayne of Long Beach, Jessica (Mike Duffy) Dollar of Denham Springs, and Nicholas (Ashley) Dollar of Diamondhead; the father of her children, James Ray Dollar of Diamondhead; two sisters, Kay Pharis and April Pharis; and two brothers, Matthew (Charlotte) Pharis and Mark Pharis. Hazel leaves a legacy of ten grandchildren and three great-granddaughters as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends whom she loved very much. 

Services for Hazel will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, with times and location to be provided by the family. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Dollar family, and we ask that you remember them all as they try and navigate the unexpected death of their mother and friend.