Jimmie Windham Hatten

Hattiesburg

Jimmie Windham Hatten, 78, of Hattiesburg, died Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Forrest General Hospital. Services will be Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at Venture Church, North Venue, followed by entombment in Roseland Park Mausoleum.

Jimmie was born in Pascagoula, MS on June 21, 1938. She was the second of three children to Rev. and Mrs. Van C. Windham. She graduated from Hattiesburg High School and attended William Carey College. She was an accomplished pianist, organist, and vocalist and served in churches wherever she traveled, from Hattiesburg, MS to Belize, Central America, to Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia and Delaware.

While living in Belize, she worked with the Premier's wife, an American consulate, to establish the first hospital auxiliary unit for the purpose of reaching the spiritual and medical needs of patients.

She served as both the choir director and organist for 38th Avenue Baptist Church of Hattiesburg, where she produced Christmas cantatas and other productions at the early age of 17. She was a member of First Baptist Church (now known as Venture) for over 20 years, where she participated religiously in her Sunday School class and worship services. She loved the people in her class and attended faithfully as long as she was able.

She was married to her husband, Fred Hatten, for over 59 years. She was a loving, dedicated wife. She was an avid sports enthusiast, competing in golf and tennis. She also supported and contributed to sports programs at USM. In 2002, she and her husband, established a charitable trust that represented the largest one-time scholarship endowment ever donated to the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Van C. Windham, and one sister, Winnie Sue Windham.

She is survived by her husband and the love of her life, Fred Hatten; a brother, Fred Windham; and many nieces and nephews. Last, but not least, she is survived by a host of SPECIAL friends, too numerous to count. However, among those she would want mentioned are Peggy Bean, Lynn Collins, Joy Anderson, Donna Stewart, Margaret Woods, and Laverne Banes of Meridian. Steve Frazier of Clinton, MS was also extra special to her. She loved Steve and always referred to him as the son she always wanted, but did not have.

Jimmie will be missed by everyone who knew her. She always had a kind and encouraging word for those who needed one. She was a classy lady who exhibited amazing courage and inspired all who knew her. She will be sorely missed!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Home of Hope for Children in Purvis.

Visitation will be Friday, August 12, 2016 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hattiesburg American on Aug. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jimmie Hatten

Sponsored by Moore Funeral Service - Hattiesburg.

5 Entries

Stephen Robertson

February 11, 2019

I lived in Canebrake (2005-2009) I net her when Fred Hatten ran for reelection. She offered me my first official glass of real sweet tea when I visited their home to consult with Mr. Hatten.

I produced a website and a video for him that was then showed on the movie screens between main attractions. It was also posted on his social media.

Most people who remember that thirty second spot said the most impactful moment was your wife's perfect execution of the line I gave her:

Please don't gamble with your vote! (Followed by her appeal to, vote for experience.)

Some say that one line by her made all the difference, securing his reelection.

You and Mrs. Hatten were more than "a client"; your friendship and counsel made me feel welcome and accepted by someone whose name was synonymous with respect.

That in turn allowed me to acclimate to my new home quickly, and find it much easier to meet and get to know more people.

It also allowed to me to become involved in local matters which made a difference in the quality of life for all living in the area.

In August of 2009, I moved away.

It's now 2019, and I was in the process of looking up a few other people I knew, and stumbled across the obituary for your wife.

My heart broke, and I felt like to floor was taken out from under me. My tears stung.

Sir, I offer my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Mrs. Hatten was smart, charming and above all, a woman that others respected and admired.

If I can make this trip happen, it will be one of the mandatory stops to pay my respects in person, and to light a candle for her.

May her soul rest in peace, Amen!