Homegoing Celebration

Louise Hatcher, affectionately known as Grandma, Aunt Lou or Mom to family and friends alike, arrived on this earth in Windsor, South Carolina a Century ago, on August 20, 1915. She was the first born to Gertrude (Momma) Bates-Hatcher and Walter (Papa) Hatcher and named for her paternal Grandmother Elvira Hatcher. She was the oldest and longest living of the Hatcher girls -- Annie, Olivia, Gertrude and Ida Mae all preceded her in death.

It was once said by a famous poet that "Work is life and good work is good life". That being the case, Louise certainly lived the good life. She was always a stanch advocate of hard work (a trait instilled in her at an early age by her father) and conducted her life with a sense of grace that can best be described as "Taste, Class and Style". She always possessed a quiet inner strength and was readily available to lend a helping hand, render assistance or provide advice to anyone in need, whether it be family, friend or casual acquaintance.

To put her life's journey in perspective, Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States occupied the White House when she was born in 1915. There were 16 other occupants of the White House during her lifetime culminating with the election of the 44th and first Black President of the United States, Barack H. Obama in 2008.

The state of South Carolina did not require that births be registered in 1915 when Louise was born. That requirement was not promulgated until 1917. Hence, there is no record of her birth at the state office of Vital Statistics. Her birth date is legally established based on the birth of her siblings, who were born in 1917 or later.

As a young girl, Louise toiled the fields at her father's side plowing, picking cotton, picking peas and doing whatever was required. Unlike her siblings, she preferred hard and exhausting field labor rather than boring house chores. She adopted her father's work ethic and many of his character traits which served her well over the years. She never compromised her moral principles, followed her own mind, always envisioned herself as a leader never a follower, was never smitten by worldly, financial or material things and, above all, was devoted to God and the well being of family.

At an early age, she dreamed of becoming a school teacher. She attended school in Windsor, South Carolina, which only went as high as the eight grade. She wanted to go live with Papa's sister, Aunt Lucy in Aiken to attend Schofield High School, but Papa did not want to hear it ---he did not want to part with his number one laborer. He did, however, compromise and allow her to repeat the eighth grade in Windsor Elementary School. Louise benefited greatly from the fact that her teacher, Ms. Aileen, was a boarder with the family and was a valuable mentor. Ms. Aileen was a major influence in her life and contributed immensely to her quest and deep appreciation for education.

Louise wed Willie (Bubba) Abney, from Edgefield, South Carolina, on December 14, 1935. Nine months later, almost to the day, she gave birth to Willie "Junior" Abney Jr., on September 19, 1936. Her son Lewis followed eighteen months later. The family relocated to Jamaica, New York in 1941. Following her father's direction, she joined Bethany Baptist Church in South Jamaica which had been founded by Papa's close friend, Deacon Williams. Bethany remains her church home. She continued to reside in Jamaica, New York in Rochdale Village until her passing. Her husband Willie and son Junior made their transitions in 1990 and 1997 respectively.

Louise leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Lewis George Abney; two daughters-in-law, Yvonne Abney and Helen McCall-Abney; five grandchildren, Tern Abney-Davis, Michelle Abney, Latasha Abney, Kisha Eikner, and Kellie Culbert; six great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; a special niece, Mary Franklin; a devoted friend of more than thirty years, Belinda Brown and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Lovingly Submitted
The Family

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