Ms. Hattie Mae (Farrington) Thomas, age 72, of Chapel Hill, NC, entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at her residence.
The Obituary
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Hattie Farrington Thomas, one of the beloved daughters of the late Woodrow and Betsy Farrington, was born on November 11, 1951, in Chapel Hill, NC. She departed this life on September 28, 2024, leaving behind cherished memories of a life filled with faith, love, and service.
From a young age, Hattie embraced her Christian faith, accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Terrells Creek Missionary Baptist Church (TCMBC). She was an active member of her church where she served as a Junior Missionary and Junior Usher then later joined the youth choir.
Hattie was a native of Chapel Hill and was educated at Northside Elementary School, Frank Porter Graham Elementary and Phillips Junior High. She graduated from Chapel Hill Senior High School in 1970, where she was voted Homecoming Queen during her senior year. She was a leader and role model for her cousins and mentored countless youth in her community. She had a captivating charismatic personality which inspired others. She worked as a camp counselor and lifeguard at Hargraves Community Center. She was also a CHCCS school bus driver.
Hattie’s post-secondary educational pursuits included earning a B.A. in Elementary Education from Shaw University in 1974. Her passion for education and reading led her further to earn an M.A. in Reading from the University of Michigan in 1975. She also earned a M.A. in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin in 1999.
Hattie excelled in the field of Reading and held several positions as a Reading Instructor, Tutor, and Teacher's Aide from 1970 to 1979. In 1975, she began her formal teaching career at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), where she taught for seven years. While teaching at JCSU, she became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She moved to Milwaukee in 1982 where she continued her teaching journey as a Reading Teacher for the Milwaukee Public School System (MPSS). Hattie developed a deep love and dedication for all of her students which was the driving force of her life. She went above and beyond to mentor and enrich their lives. Her mentorship had a profound impact on many. She often organized annual trips for her students to places such as Atlanta GA, Orlando FL, and the Mall of America in Minnesota. Hattie retired from MPSS after 25 years of dedicated service. Hattie was a beloved and faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church whereshe was loved and treasured by her church family.
While teaching in Milwaukee she met the love of her life and best friend Eugene Thomas. Hattie and Eugene were married on February 10, 1994. They shared a loving and cherished marriage for 22 years until his passing in 2016.
Hattie was known as a champion and a fighter for life. She chose to make the best of all circumstances. Her unwavering faith in Christ was the life sustaining Source that helped her battle health challenges. After living in Milwaukee for over 30 years, in 2022, Hattie fulfilled her dream of returning to her hometown. She spent the last two years of her life enjoying family and friends, creating precious memories, and spreading infectious love and joy with everyone she encountered. Hattie rejoined her home church TCMBC where she enjoyed singing on the Praise Team and serving as an Usher.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Siblings, Patricia Farrington of Chapel Hill, NC; Janerio Farrington (Richard Moore) of Duluth, GA; Woodie Farrington of Chapel Hill, NC; John Farrington of Chapel Hill, NC; and Valerie Farrington of Chapel Hill, NC; one aunt Blondie Reaves; five nieces, Kenita Farrington, Nyeka Grant (Jeremy), Shanya Campbell, Kenya Campbell, Shekente Lassiter-Farrington, and Karen Baker (Bernie); four nephews: Ali Cotton, J.R. Currie (Chloe), Christopher Moore (Jessica), and Steven Moore (Cathy); ten great-nieces: Nadiya, Nariya, Samaiya, Fatima, Mariya, Callie, Cree, Anastasia, Alice, Amani; six great-nephews: Jayden, Lucas, DaKario, Amir, Israel, Amari; stepson Ricardo Thomas; special cousin Roy Hopkins and special friends, Jessie Chavis Stephen Chavis and Rosalyn Jones and a host of other cherished family and friends.
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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Chapel Hill, NC
