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(News article) Lillian Hackney, a longtime Toledo educator who guided students with learning disabilities through their struggles, died Saturday in Ridgewood Manor, Monclova Township. She was 79.
She had end-stage renal disease and Parkinson's disease, her daughter, Suzette Hackney, said.
Mrs. Hackney retired in 1999 from McKinley Elementary School after 34 years with the Toledo Public Schools. She taught children with learning disabilities - dyslexia, speech problems, but also children who had emotional and behavioral difficulties - at Riverside, Oakdale, Ottawa River, and Larchmont schools, closing her career after more than a decade at McKinley.
"My mother always knew she wanted to help children who struggled in the classroom," said her daughter, who is a Blade editorial writer and columnist.
Mrs. Hackney found fulfillment in spending extra time with those who needed such attention, and she often went to school early, which meant her two daughters had to get up and get going early, and stayed late.
"She was just compassionate," her daughter said. "She often talked about the lack of parental involvement and how she felt she had to be a parent to these kids - many times; not all the time, but many times. There was a level of frustration with that."
Mrs. Hackney called some students' homes to find out how they were doing or to make sure parents were aware of a particular challenge their child was having. Some parents were grateful.
Mrs. Hackney had an answer for her own daughters' occasional complaints that attention paid to the students wasn't being paid them: "'That's ridiculous,'" Suzette recalled. "'You guys have a support system. You know I'm there for you, but I have to be there for those kids.'"
Mrs. Hackney greeted the end of summer with eager anticipation and ventured into stifling school buildings to ready her classroom.
"She took weeks to get it just the way she wanted it," said her daughter, who as a child often accompanied her.
"She was very dedicated. She truly enjoyed mentoring children and starting out seeing them one way and watching them blossom as the year progresses," her daughter said. "She would come home and share stories about various children and how they were succeeding. There was no bigger joy for her than that."
She was born Sept. 14, 1935, in Brunswick, Ga., to Luevenia and Alfred Nobles, Sr. Her father owned a construction company, and the five Nobles children had duties on the family farm, where they grew much of their food. Two children who were taken in by the family, George Hamilton and Mary Lou Bacon, became like siblings.
"She grew up like a country girl, for sure," her daughter said.
Mrs. Hackney was a graduate of Risley High School in Brunswick and went to Voorhees College in Denmark, S.C. Her sister Eloise Gould moved to Toledo and became a public school teacher, and Mrs. Hackney followed suit, substitute teaching while working toward her bachelor's degree at the University of Toledo.
When she and William Hackney divorced, daughter Suzette was 2 and daughter Sonya was 6.
"She was, 'I have to keep going.' She was so strong," daughter Suzette said. "Everything she did, every decision she made was about making sure her daughters were provided for and we were educated and we grew up to be independent and strong the way she was. She was very encouraging and supportive.
"She was a tough mom. She was very no-nonsense," Suzette said. "There was no question we were going to get good grades. There was no question we were going to college. She was a tough single mom. She did not play."
As her siblings' children were growing up, she'd visit them in Georgia. She had those in Toledo over and cooked for them. "She really threw herself into her family," Suzette said. "She put a lot of time in the children in our family, and that was fun for her."
After Mrs. Hackney retired, she moved to Columbus, where she helped care for her grandsons.
"She became Granny. That was her new job," Suzette said.
Her daughter Sonya Hooks, 43, died Aug. 17, 2011.
Surviving are her daughter, Suzette Hackney; brother, Alfred Nobles, Jr., and two grandsons.
Visitation is 4-6 p.m. today in the House of Day Funeral Service. Services are at 11 a.m. Saturday in Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Brunswick, Ga.
This story was written by Blade Staff Writer Mark Zaborney. Contact him at: [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
13 Entries
Dear Suzette and family this is Dayna Adira, the daughter of Shirley Jones your mother's friend in the school system. I am deeply saddened by the recent passing of your mother. My heart and prayers go out to you at this time. Your mother was a pleasant and gracious woman. I remember fondly our mother car pooling with your Mom, as they both worked at the same school. She would enter the car with a chipper, "Hi kids", sounding eager to start the day. My siblings and I would always laugh about that. I also recall her loyal friendship to my Mom, being there in her final days. I was touched that she had a friend there. I am following in the footsteps of both of our mother's, as I am also a special education teacher. I know both of our mother's are proud of us. Please know that my thoughts are with you. God bless you.
February 13, 2015
Keeping Lillian's family in my prayers. Lillian was a fine teacher at McKinley Elementary. She was kind and caring. God Bless!
Teresa Linares
February 1, 2015
Dear Suzy & Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother was a remarkable woman; a blessing to all of you and to the children who were in her care. May you find peace in all the memories she created for you and knowing that she is now at rest.
Myron and Madeline Kukla
January 29, 2015
May the light of this candle be a reminder of the light your mother instilled in you Suzette.
Harry Brown
January 29, 2015
I know the pain of losing a mother. I also know that a mother's love never dies. She lives on in the lessons she taught in word and deed, and the memories you will always cherish.
Cassandra Spratling
January 29, 2015
Suzette, you are in my prayers.
Schylar
January 28, 2015
Suzette,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I'm praying for your comfort and courage.
Patrice
January 28, 2015
Suzy I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of spending time at your house with you and your Mom. She was a wonderful woman. Sending love and prayers from afar.
Jarri Bunde
January 28, 2015
Suzette,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Linda Joyce
January 28, 2015
Suzette, my thoughts are with you and your family. I'll say a special prayer for your family the next time I go through Brunswick on my way to my in-laws in Sumner.
-- Rick Taylor
January 27, 2015
Suzette,
So sorry that you have had to endure two major losses in your life recently. Stay strong and love your family!
Love Ya
James
January 27, 2015
Suzette
Thinking of you during this time of loss I can only picture your sweet sister Sonya wrapping her arms around mom. Love and prayers
Sarah Lavey-clear
January 27, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Suzette. Ben, Donna and the girls.
Ben Schmitt
January 27, 2015
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