Hattie (Livingston) Willis

Hattie Pearl Livingston Willis was the first child born to the late Mr. Henry Berry Livingston Sr. and Mrs. Frances Ella Smith Livingston. She was married to Stanley T. Willis who preceded her in death. She joined Locust Bluff United Methodist Church as a child and was a dedicated member until death. The last fifteen years of her life she spent many Sundays at Rivers Chapel United Methodist Church where her daughter  and "Road Warrior" serves as pastor.

 Her affiliation with the church and her loyalty to tradition led her to become a member of the Order of Eastern Star and Heroines of Jericho. She was the oldest member of Queen Esther Grand Chapter of Alabama and Bright Beulah Chapter #18 OES Prattville, and Naomi Grand Court HOJ and Myrtle Court # 23 Prattville. Her d service to the causes of fidelity and charity was 72 years. Each year that she attended The Olive Branch Grand Lodge Grand Session was a time of fun and laughter as she watched the "Turtle Degree" initiation.

Ms. Hattie, as she was so respectfully known, was educated in the public schools of Autauga County. She worked many years in the service industry where all her employers treated her with dignity and the respect of a family member. In the late seventies she began working with Continental Moss Gordon (Prattville Gin Shop), after the plant closing, she began her service with the Autauga County Board of Education as a bus driver and later as a custodian. After her retirement, she became a card playing partner and companion to the Reynolds  family. In 2010 she became a greeter at the Millbrook Wal-Mart where she enjoyed every day of ten years  meeting and talking with the customers. Of the many wonderful impressions of her life, the one thing she  endeared most was her "Family." She was surely the Matriarch. She loved each person with a special love that  only they could feel when she spoke to them.

She leaves to treasure impressions of her life and special memories three daughters: Helen Marie Livingston (Rev. Eddie W.) Coleman Il, Jaquelyn Deloris Livingston (Clifton George) Gibbons and Rev. Luretta B. Livingston Washington, six grandchildren, Ms. Candace G. Gibbons, Dr. Edryn J. Coleman, Mr. Clifton Giovanni Gibbons (Paul), Darrell Washington, Jr. (Jenae), DeMetrick Maurice Washington (Taylor) and Dylan Washington (JB). Two grandchildren preceded her in death: Pearlincia T. DeRamus and Eron Livingston (Ziyacdah Atkinson) Coleman. Ms. Hattie loved her great-grandchildren and made each of them feel special in her presence: Shamaria, Chastity, Daria, Darrell Ore'), Erin, Elani, Ethan, Herman, and Ethyn.

Her childhood antics, special moments, and great memories are in the hearts of sisters; Mrs. Georgia D. L. Houser, Mrs. Mattie L. Baker (John), Mrs. W. Frances Parker (Jesse) and sister-in-law Ruth Willis. She was proceeded in death by her brothers Rev. Nathaniel Livingston and Mr. Henry Berry Livingston, Jr.

Included in her circle were her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, Mr. Marcus L. Houser, (Godson), Dwayne and Maquita Love, Mr. & Mrs. James Hollenquest, Mr. & Mrs. Ezekiel Crayton, Ms. Gail Davis, Paul Reese, and the "Smith" Children (Stephanie, Steve, and Sherman).

Ms. Hattie was an independent "spirit." She befriended many and spoke her mind. Though interactions with people were special to her, her passion was the outdoor life. Each year she planted a large garden and gave the produce to whomever wanted it. It was not unusual to drive to her home and find her on a zero-turn lawnmower cutting grass, weed-eating or trimming her shrubbery. In addition, she loved having live animals to attend. She had chickens, and she bought supplies and built her own chicken coup. Her favorites were her grand-dogs Blue and GoMan. A new project for her was just an opportunity to conquer a challenge. She found serenity and happiness on the banks of the Alabama and Coosa River fishing with delight. She cared very little for eating her catch but found happiness in giving it to others.

Today we celebrate her life. Although we are sad, we know that God will bring us through this, and we will meet her at the coming resurrection when we all go before God's throne together.

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