Hattie Lou Williams, 79, of Poplar Bluff was called home Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 at her residence with her family by her side. Mrs. Williams was born July 29, 1938 in Reeves, Mo., to the late Caleb and Hattie (Thompson) Williams.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Williams shined as an example of perseverance and accomplishment. She graduated from Wheatley School in 1957 as the valedictorian of Poplar Bluff, Missouri's last segregated African American class, helping to usher in an era of integration and inclusion. Mrs. Williams continued her education and invested her gifts into a career in medicine. She earned an LPN license, and graduated from Three Rivers Community College as a registered nurse, serving first at Lucy Lee Hospital from 1970 to 1976. She then served at the John J. Pershing Veteran's hospital, where she was as a nurse for the honorable men and women who have served and fought in our nation's military for the rights of people at home and around the world. Mrs. Williams retired from the V.A. hospital in 1996.
In 1995, Mrs. Williams became an entrepreneur co-founding Williams Corner Grocery. The business soon began delivering hot home cooked meals, primarily to Poplar Bluff Industrial Park workers, being most famous for the huge sandwiches that bear her name, Aunt Hattie's Big Cheeseburgers.
Hattie Williams' life revolved around Christian ministry, as her husband Johnny Williams took various pastoral assignments throughout Southeast Missouri. They ultimately founded their own church, True Believers Missionary Baptist Church in 1989 in the historic J. Minnie Smith School building. Mrs. Williams was among the churches' founding members and served as the churches' secretary. Mrs. Williams also served as the first lady of Mt. Sinai Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo., as well as being the president of the Friendship Consolidated District, Minister's and Deacon's Wives Association. In 2011 Both Johnny and Hattie Williams received honorary doctorates in Ministry, bestowed by The International Bible College of Theology, in Norris City, Ill. Mrs. Williams was also a founding member of the Christian Echoes Gospel Singers. The group has performed live on radio weekly on Poplar Bluff's KLID for decades and traveled throughout the country, releasing a CD in 1999.
She was married to Rev. Johnny Williams on Aug. 24, 1957 in Poplar Bluff. He survives. Also surviving are children; Pastor Carl Williams (Helen), Minister Purity Williams, Pastor Leroy Williams (Annie), Apostle Anthony Williams (Connie); sister, Rosie Akins; 20 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, who raised her, Adam and Darthula Thompson; a sister, Mallie Williams; brothers, Will and Allen Williams; two daughters Janice Marie Richie and Patricia Ann Britton; and one grandson John Richie.
Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, 11 a.m., at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff. The funeral ceremony will follow at noon in the chapel with Pastors: Carl, Anthony, Leroy and Minister Purity Williams presenting the eulogy. Burial will be in the City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.
Paid