Hazel B. McCullough Semedo was born to Phillip and Oletta McCullough of Houston, Texas on September 28, 1920. Her father was one of the founding members of Freedman's Town. She was a lifelong member of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ. She became their Pianist in March, 1937 and later became their Organist until 1999.

She attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and went on to Bishop College. She worked at the Franklin Beauty School, first as secretary and then as an office manager playing a vital role in the school's growth from 1937 until the mid 1970s. She was a facilitator, connecting students to the school’s administration and to professionals within the field of Cosmetology. After leaving the Franklin Beauty School, she worked for the Progressive Order of Pilgrims. In retirement she was a Swinging Senior at the Julia C. Hester House. She died on December 17, 2008.