Geraldine Hatten

Geraldine HattenGeraldine A. Hatten (Gerald), 92, passed away quietly on Monday, July 20, 2015 at Brookdale at Woodward Estates in Bowie, MD. She was a native of Nansemond County and the daughter of the late Charlie and Louvenia Walker Hatten. She had a twin brother, Charles Gray and an older brother, Morris, who are both deceased. She was predeceased by four children: Morgan Fritz, Stewart Aaron, Chester Lee, and Louvenia Hatten. Her husband of 58 years, George W. Hatten (Buss) went to be with the Lord five years ago. She devoted her time to her family as a full time mother and wife. She was a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Hobson, VA where she was a former member of the senior choir, the Emma V. Kelly Hospitality Club, and the Missionary Circle. Gerald exhibited strong faith after enduring the loss of four of her five children, yet she never doubted the Lord. Instead, she strongly believed that if it had not been for the Lord, she would not have made it. Hence, this led her to often sing the hymn “Without God I Could Do Nothing.” She had a gentle spirit and a warm smile that drew people to her. She would always communicate the truth, with a combination of wisdom and humor. Many years ago, she looked forward to the annual trips that the church members would take to various locations. She enjoyed the fellowship with her friends and sightseeing. In April 2010, Gerald and Buss moved to live with their daughter and son-in-law in Upper Marlboro, MD. This was the beginning of a new normal for her, as Buss passed away shortly after their arrival in Maryland. Gerald adapted to being pampered by her loving daughter and son-in-law. She only needed to express her wishes and poof, it would be done! She loved talking on her cell phone to her family and friends and always was aware of whatever was happening (sometimes even before some of the residents of Hobson)! She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her devoted daughter, Evelyn Hatten Eligan, her dedicated son-in-law, Richard Eligan, Jr. of Upper Marlboro, MD, five grandchildren: Katina Hatten of Arlington, VA, Shawn Hatton of Lakeridge, VA, Trevell Hatton of Suffolk, VA, Marcus Eligan (Johari) of Capitol Heights, MD and Richard Eligan III of Upper Marlboro, MD, eleven great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren, a special niece, Carolyn Newby (Lee) of Chesapeak, VA and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Louise Parker and Sylvia Hatton of Philadelphia, PA.A celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Pastor Stanley L. Eley will deliver the eulogy. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Geraldine Hatten, please visit our flower store.