Hattie Dennis

Hattie Dennis June 15, 1920 – March 27, 2017 A Chapter completed, a page turned, a life well-lived, a rest well-earned… Our Heavenly Father in His infinite Wisdom and Mercy called His beloved servant, Hattie Dennis, home in the quiet of the early evening on Monday, March 27, 2017. Our hearts were deeply saddened by the passing of our loved one who lived a life of love, purpose, caring, service, and faith in God and now rests peacefully in the bosom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, today her loved ones pause not to grieve her passing but to thank God for her longevity, the cherished legacy she leaves, and the wonderful life that our dearly beloved grandmother, aunt, relative and friend lived. She was anchored in her faith and the faithfulness of her Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, we rejoice and are certain that heaven’s golden gates swung open widely and welcomed her home into God’s Kingdom! Hattie was born June 15, 1920 to the late Junious and Pearle Watkins in Bunn, NC. She was also preceded in death by her son, Thomas Earl Hartsfield; husband, West Dennis; and daughter, Mary Elizabeth Hartsfield Perry, two sisters, Lonie Mae Watkins Thornton and Pearline Watkins Ellis; three brothers, Jesse, Junious and Floyd Watkins. At an early age, she confessed her faith in Christ, joined the Gethsemane Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until she moved with her two children to Washington, DC in the mid 1940’s. She had an attitude of perseverance, worked diligently as a domestic employee, provided for her children, saved, met and married her late husband of many years; and together, they purchased their lifetime home in northwest D.C. Soon after moving to DC Hattie joined the Canaan Baptist Church, continued to be anchored in God’s Word, seeking always to live a life pleasing to Him. For decades she served on the Ushers Ministry at Canaan Baptist Church until recently when her health failed. She enjoyed being in worship, loved and supported her Pastor, her fellow ushers and church family, traveling with and supporting them whenever she was able. She often spoke of the powerful and blessed sermons and the church activities and events she witnessed and were blessed by them. In addition to the joy of her church, Hattie also loved traveling, fishing, visiting her siblings, staying in touch with her grandchildren, great granddaughters, family members, neighbors and friends. Just last year, she and West flew to Missouri where they met other family members to witness her youngest great granddaughter’s graduation from Nursing School, a career she herself wanted to pursue but could not due to certain circumstances. We will all miss her moist, finger-licking, delicious coconut cakes, the best you could ever taste! Hattie leaves a loving and devoted family and a multitude of friends. Cherishing her memories are three devoted grandchildren James Al Perry, Jr. (Shoddy) of Richmond, Virginia, West Marcel Perry of Washington, D.C., and Yolanda Perry Valentine (LTC(R) Elbert) of Harker Heights, Texas; two great granddaughters, Shanequa Yolanda Valentine of Orlando, Florida and Shonté Yvonne Valentine of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; son-in-law, James Al Perry, Sr. of Harker Heights, Texas; two sister-in-laws, Carene Watkins of Newark, NJ and Rosa Watkins of Orange Vurg, SC; a host of nephews and nieces among them six devoted, Sylvia W. Lloyd of Waldorf, MD, Deacon Mary T. Kemp of Richmond, VA, Joyce W. White (Elaine) of Newark, NJ, Tassie T. Brooks of Wake Forest, NC, and Ann E. Carthern of Capital Heights, MD and one great niece Kendra Watkins of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of other relatives, extended family, friends and longtime neighbors. To this list of family and friends we would like to include David and Muffy Shepard as her honorary adopted grandkids. She helped to raise you as your “Nanny” for many years and loved you dearly as if you were her own.

Tributes

Hattie Dennis

June 1, 1920 - March 27, 2017