posted November 15, 2008
) Kay Hatcher |
At the age of 12, in 1918, Kay’s family moved to her life home of Atlanta. In 1925, Kay graduated from Atlanta Girls High School and became employed by the Rich’s Department Store.
During the next decade Kay advanced through the Rich’s organization, eventually becoming a head buyer in the Housewares Department and developing a long affinity for fine furnishings and art. Kay’s vocation introduced her to travel, which would become a lifelong passion, beginning with frequent trips to New York.
In 1937, Kay met and married her life’s love, John William Hatcher. They lived in Chicago for a short time. While there, Kay was “The Story Lady” for young heart patients at a local hospital, letting her fulfill her desire for service to children.
Kay and John moved to Washington, D.C. There, her husband was assigned to the War Department and being immediately deployed to Intelligence at the US Pentagon reporting to General George Marshall.
During the Washington war years, Kay enrolled at the University of Maryland and began studying American Literature; she also taught kindergarten at “Grasshopper Green” pre-school. With a lifetime love of reading, she became an often published book reviewer.
She also experienced the birth of twins at 40 years old, joining her teenaged son, Jack Sr. Kay and John continually supported his alma mater, Georgia Tech and attended home games for 40 years.
After a lifetime raising a family and living in multiple cities as a corporate bride, Kay (now called “Nana” by her grandchildren) and John retired to LeHigh Acres, Fl., where she continued to live life to the hilt during her retirement years at their condo in this Gulf village.
After John Hatcher passed away in 1989, Kay moved to Chattanooga to join her son Jack Sr. and enjoy her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and eventually great-great-grandchildren.
Kay was always active in her church, throughout her 80 years of church membership most notably in the United Methodist Church of LeHigh Acres, Fl., and finally the Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Kay’s hobbies and interests always could be categorized as artistic, including gardening, writing poetry, teaching children, and gourmet cooking.
But her income productive hobby was Bridge. She was a master Bridge player and instructor. In her 90’s, Kay led book clubs, literature circles, and taught Bridge “to elderly people.” Kay had a particular fondness for and a personal experience with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and has been a spirited supporter for years.
Shortly before her death, Kay talked about witnessing World War I, the sadness of the Depression, entertaining Generals in her home during World War II, watching Man on the Moon, and learning to live in a new computer age. She had traveled extensively, was the best-read 100-year old in America, and an intense student of the American political system.
Although less mobile in her last years, her door was always open for advice and counsel. She averaged in excess of 50 visitors a month to her home (whom she required to sign her foyer guest register).
Her life’s credo was built upon faith in God, love of her family, and displaying her strong sense of confidence and verbal gift. She was always the leader!
Andrew Jackson Carney and Anna Stephens were Nana’s parents. She was preceded in death by her husband, John William Hatcher, sons, David William and John Christopher, PhD, and daughter, Mary Kay.
She is survived by one son, Jack Wright Hatcher; two grandsons, Jack W. Hatcher Jr. and B. Paul Hatcher, two granddaughters, Angie Hatcher Sledge and Claire Hatcher; nine great-grandchildren, Andrew, Bonnie, Dustin, Katie #1, Katie #2, Megan, Michelle, Rachael, and Traci; and three great-great-grandchildren, Ava, Gavin, and Gracie. Kay especially appreciated and loved Nellie Patterson, her caring friend.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all those who have extended condolences and love for Nana and invite you to attend a memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, at Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 115 Morrison Springs Road with the Reverend Forrest Prosser conducting the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share condolences.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
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