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Elbert Leroy Hatchett
1936 - 2021
Elbert Leroy Hatchett
1936 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1936
DIED
2021
Elbert Hatchett Obituary
Attorney Elbert Leroy Hatchett of Pontiac, Michigan made his transition on April 8, 2021. Mr. Hatchett will lie in repose on Saturday, April 17, 2021 & Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Cobb's Funeral Home 151 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, Michigan from 12: 00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services for Mr. Hatchett will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church 143 Oneida St., Pontiac, Michigan.
Unfortunately, the latest Covid surge in Michigan will force the family to hold a small private funeral service.
Charitable donation info for Elbert Hatchett: As an alternative to sending flowers, the family encourages donations to be made in Elbert Hatchett's memory to The NAACP Legal Defense Fund or the United Negro College Fund (UNCF):
UNCF-
https://secure2.convio.net/uncf/site/SPageNavigator/2016Donate.html?_ga=1.228507997.1784004042.1453915736
Legal Defense Fund-
https://engage.naacpldf.org/dBCvDTd9IEiXX_jPkmkT_w2?_ga=2.217842448.742910991.1618601987-2077575205.1618601987
LIVE STREAMING: Thru Facebook on Welcome Missionary Baptist Church website
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL COBB'S FUNERAL HOME at 248-858-2640
As a global concern about Coronavirus (COVID-19) begins to have a impact on our community, we are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of the families we serve and the community in general. Some families are making the decision to postpone services while others have opted to move forward with a small gathering of close family and friends.
It is Cobb's Funeral Home policy, which lines up with the restrictions of our governor, Gretchen Whitmer, that all gatherings are limited to 20 people with a distance of 6 feet.
May God continue to bless and strengthen all of you during this time.
Robbie Dargin
January 27, 2022
Elbert Hatchett was one impressive lawyer and human being. He opened up his home over the years and entertained a multitude of guests. Yet, he was very humble about his accomplishments and success. He will be greatly missed
Robbie Dargin
Robbie Dargin
June 27, 2021
The world will miss this brilliant lawyer. My deepest condolences to the family of Elbert Hatchett.
Thomas Edge
April 23, 2021
To all who loved Elbert Hatchett, and to The Hatchett Family, may God Bless us all doing this time of our Bereavement, and to our Brother and friend who will always be in our Hearts and forever missed. Rest In Peace we all Loved You.
Brenda Williams
April 20, 2021
What a legal giant! I will always remember Mr. Hatchett and the advice he was always willing to give to me. Rest In Peace my friend. You truly did your work in this world. Job well done.
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Sue Searcy
April 19, 2021
Please accept our deepest condolences. May the Lord give you peace during this very difficult time.
Darryl Hogan
April 19, 2021
To the Hatchett family. My deepest condolences to you all. In my years of having the opportunity to have known Elbert, I see his legacy throughout his family. May God comfort you all and give you strength to hold and cherish his memory. He is a person to be very thankful and proud of. I will always keep you in my prayers.
Bonita Hatchett-Bodle
April 19, 2021
Cousin Elbert, I love you and will never forget the impact that you have had on my life. I am a lawyer because of you and my dad. Thanks for all of your selfless contributions to justice.
LaYawn Butler-Harrison
April 19, 2021
Sending love and prayers. I light a candle to symbolize what I saw whenever in Mr. Hatchett's presence--a brilliant light that commanded your attention and respect. It is an honor to have witnessed such a positive and powerful illumination. Thank you for sharing your light with us!
Althea M. Hooks
April 19, 2021
"The Mark of a Great Man is One Who Knows When to Set Aside The Important Things In Order to Accomplish The Vitale Ones." Mr. Hatchett Was "Vitale" and As Such, This Great Man Will Forever Be Remembered!
Eric Duncan
April 19, 2021
Elbert will always be in our hearts
Brandi (Gracey) Jones
April 19, 2021
May God bless my cousin with all of the crowns that he has earned on earth in heaven. I will miss you indeed. I will always be grateful for you and all that you have taught me through your actions of giving, always being available for me and always being a sounding board for me. Brandi
Brian Hill
April 19, 2021
I offer my prayers and condolences to the family. May the Lord give you peace during this time of sorrow.
A great man has passed on leaving a legacy for us all to remember and be inspired by.
I am fortunate to have known him and ever will he inspire my life.
Thank you Mr. Hatchett.
Rest well
Richard Moss Jr
April 18, 2021
My condolences to my fellow Lahser alumni, friend and former neighbor.
Ayanna, my love to you and may God bless you and all of the Hatchett family!
Phillip Boone
April 18, 2021
To the Hatchett family from Phillip Boone and family. Our prayers and condolences.
Jan 29, 1971 Wolverine Bar Association invitation to Esmo and Sandra R Woods(above) below Attorney Elbert Hatchett, center Esmo and Sandra, right Chris and Jean Brown-Wolverine Bar Association 1971
Wendell Woods
April 18, 2021
1971 - Jan 29th Wolverine Bar Association invitation to Mr Esmo and Sandra Woods guest of Attorney Elbert and Laurestine Hatchett ; Christopher and Jean Brown on right
Pontiac ..The Making of a US Automotive Capital 1818-1950 pg 176 Chapter 13 Life in the Black Southwest by author Esmo T Woods :Mrs Keola Hatchetts class with Elbert and Janice at the Y Elbert 5th from left front row
Wendell Woods
April 18, 2021
Craig Tank
April 17, 2021
I love you Elbert and I will never forget you and what you did for me.
Dorothy Gbulie
April 17, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
james and Sue finney
April 17, 2021
Elbert was one of my favorite friends, he always called me by my nickname "Zeke". What a friend he was to me. He will be missed. My sympathy to the family.
Brenda Richard
April 17, 2021
Please accept my warmest condolences. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Richard Days
April 17, 2021
Thank you Attorney Elbert Leroy Hatchett for representing me many years ago in the 70's. You will be truly missed and always remembered by the citizens of Pontiac, Michigan. This is such a great loss to all of us who knew Attorney Elbert Hatchett, may you rest in peace with our God and savior. Peace and love to the entire Elbert Hatchett family and friends, with all of God's love, grace and blessings. Richard Days
Gloria Proby
April 17, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Judge Denise Langford Morris
April 16, 2021
We have lost a GIANT! Legendary Attorney Elbert L. Hatchett, a great trial lawyer, civil rights leader, and mentor to many has passed away after a life well lived. He paved the way for children to receive a quality education with his winning school anti-bussing lawsuit argued before Judge Damon Keith many years ago. He prevailed on complex civil and criminal cases across the country involving the rich, famous and those that could not afford his services but he helped them anyway. He mentored every Black attorney in the area and graciously shared his beautiful home for our bar association activities, campaign events, and more. He was known for his shy demeanor at public events but was always an eloquent LION in the courtroom and a PRINCE in person.
My deepest condolences to his Beautiful wife Laurastine, Franklin, Ayanna, Alexis, and best friend Judge Christopher Brown, Cousin Attorney Bill Hatchett, entire extended family and all the great lawyers and staff that had the privilege of working with him over the many years. Elbert is with Jesus now. May he RIP
Arthur Fowlkes
April 16, 2021
Praying for the Hatchett family. Atty. Elbert Hatchett will be remembered forever in Pontiac for his love, concern and involvement in the Pontiac Community.
God Bless the Hatchett family.
Lynda M Warren
April 16, 2021
My Condolences to The Hatchet Family, The Lord will make away and God will strengthen you.
Attorney Hatchett and Woods at Woodward Dream Cruise party by Attorney William Hatchett
Wendell Woods
April 16, 2021
Mr Esmo T Woods and Elbert Hatchett - Woodward Dream Cruise guest of Attorney William Hatchett
Rosemerry Allen
April 16, 2021
Attorney Hatchett was a fighter right to the end! He had a big heart and loved the community and the people, serving with such strong ethics and legal prowess. May his life continue on through those he mentored and loved. Rest in Peace, Power and Paradise!
Fair Family
April 16, 2021
It was with great sadness that we learned of Elberts passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we hope that in a small way they help through these trying times.
Hatchett with Mr Woodss poetry book
Wendell Woods
April 16, 2021
Attorney Hatchett and Esmo T Woods
Wendell Woods
April 16, 2021
Wendell Woods
April 16, 2021
Hatchett visiting with Esmo T Woods
Attorney Hatchett with wife visiting Woods house
Wendell Woods
April 16, 2021
Attorney Hatchett and wife visiting Woods house
Treea Brown
April 16, 2021
It is so difficult to lose someone who touched so many lives and meant so much to everyone...professionally and personally.
I met Mr. Hatchett at his law firm when I came for my initial conference with Ayanna Hatchett. I was amazed at the many accomplishments, awards, accomodations and articles on the wall and never expected to meet the renowned Mr. Elbert Hatchett personally. However, Mr. Hatchett greeted me and was so gracious and welcoming. He truly made me feel like I was valued like no other. Once I met with Ayanna, I KNEW I was valued. Through my interactions and experiences with Ayanna, it was obvious that the Hatchett Family was very special family...not just in law but in caring and community service. Mr. Elbert Hatchett is an unforgettable soul and the path an unforgettable soul has traveled, leaves a trail of unforgettable memories to cherish.
To the Family of Mr. Elbert L. Hatchett, I am with you in prayer and in spirit and will be praying for your comfort, healing and peace...now and in the days and weeks ahead.
In prayer and peace,
Treea B.
Walter Hails
April 16, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to the Hatchett family, the greater Pontiac community, IRL, and all of the lives touched by him. May God comfort all of you in this time of sorrow!
Walter, Carine, and Donovan Hails
Earlene Baggett-Hayes
April 16, 2021
Attorney Elbert Hatchett was a brilliant lawyer, a role model, a fierce leader, a gentleman and a friend. I am fortunate and blessed to have experienced and observed the veneration of the icon, Elbert Hatchett. Thanks be to God.
Joy Wardlaw
April 16, 2021
On behalf of the Bass & Wardlaw family, (Carrol Ann, Diane, Michael, DeeDee & Lance) we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Hatchett family, friends and loved ones that have been touched by what will surely be a great lost in community presence. May God provide you peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time Amen.
Joy Wardlaw
Sucre Woodley
April 15, 2021
I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Ayanna, Mrs. Hatchett, Alexis and the entire Hatchett family! My parents, Wallace and Betty Johnson, send their prayers of comfort and peace to you all as well. Mr. Hatchett will be remembered and revered by so many. With love and respect, Sucre Woodley
Victor Bonds
April 15, 2021
Attorney Elbert L. Hatchett had a great impact in the lives of many individuals. His love, labor and legacy I shall never forget. The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Rho Lambda Chapter will certainly keep your memory alive.
Bernice Thomas
April 15, 2021
My condolences, to the Hatchett family. Mr. Hatchett, was a good friend to my brother Pinklon Thomas & a very good frieind to my boyfriend Henry( Hank) DeWalt. Continue to RIP!!
Florence Etefia
April 15, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joseph Thompson
April 14, 2021
Elbert Hatchett
The beginning: Starring Elbert Hatchett, special guest Chris Brown. Location-Pontiac, Michigan; Esther and Beaudette Street. Music score, written and performed by the Jones brothers, with Duck Jean, Dan Turner, Bubby Hatchett.
Growing up on the west side. Beaudette and corner of Esther Street; across from Clinton River, where young folks use to hang out on the weekends washing their cars and chatting.
Elbert , you grew up being a part of the neighborhood gang, playing in the street and in the old abandoned field on Walnut and Wesson Street.
There was no caste system in the black communities of Pontiac, regardless of economics or status. Back of Elbert and his family’s house was Duck Jean, the bass player. Next door I think Dr. Cooley; across the street Policeman Hayes, and Joe Munson (Landscaper and plumber). Then there was across on Beaudette street, Mary’s rooming house, the Thompsons, then The number man, then The Watkins, who owned an auto garage and father was a preacher; then Reverend Johnson’s Sanctified church.
Remembering one incident, Elbert was playing cowboy in the street with other neighborhood kids, when he got rope burns by being lassoed around his neck, I think by Morris Dinkins. We had a saying about himGot a head like a Hatchett and the world can’t match it.
Who would have known back then that Elbert Hatchett would become, Attorney Hatchett; a pillar to Pontiac and other black communities of America! No! not a pillar, but rock of Gibraltar. Helping and inspiring many in his small suburban town. Forever a homie.
The man of extraordinary wealth; more importantly, black commonwealth. An epitome of his craft.
Elbert will be missed, but talked about for generations to come.
I am proud to have known and been a part of Elbert and
his family.
Bill & Gloria Manning
April 14, 2021
I was born and raised in Pontiac and have known and been nurtured by Elbert as a young boy in Pontiac. Elbert has always been an inspiration for the city of Pontiac, and when my father passed, he more than ever was helpful in deposing our family home as good "Alpha" Brother would. My deepest sympathies to the family and pray they are able to weather this storm. God Bless...
Charles Steward
April 14, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
C. Steward
April 14, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Charles Steward
Kyle Satterlee
April 14, 2021
I have many wonderful memories of the good times as a teenager playing tennis with Elbert, his son Frank and many other good friends of his at the Deer Lake Racquet Club in the mid 70's. My parents went to High School with him at Pontiac Central and are also very saddened to hear of his passing and they had hoped to talk with him these past few years. One memory I'll never forget with Mr. Hatchett: it happened around July 4th, 1975 - since we all loved the game of tennis and played together, he had invited our family out to his ranch to have fun with a cookout, swim and play tennis. On that day, Wimbledon was playing and the men's final was on TV, so most of us guys(including Elbert) came in to watch Arthur Ashe beat Jimmy Connors - which made history. We were all very blessed to have him in our lives for the little time we had together. Our family's condolences go out to his family. May he rest in peace and God Bless!
Ronald McDuffie
April 14, 2021
In memory of Elbert Hatchett, my mentor,my friend and a great attorney. I keep you and your family in my prayers. Attorney Ronald McDuffie.
Mrs. Shirley Mason-Cooper
April 14, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Juan Hall
April 14, 2021
Condolences to one and all, sincerely Juan J Hall....
Paula Davis
April 13, 2021
Laurestine, children and Hatchett family. May the love and blessed memories be yours as you tunnel through this time of grief. Elbert will be remembered for his kindness and desire to give his best for the people. You are in my prayers and may God grant you peace and strength in the days ahead. Paula Davis Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.
Tony Howard
April 13, 2021
Rest In Paradise to one of the "Pioneers" of the Legal community. Thanks for your commitment and service to so many, you will truly be missed. May God bless the family with strength and understanding at this time and always.
Cordell Craig
April 13, 2021
My condolences go out to the Hatchet family. I was lucky to me the Hatchett family and they helped me and my family many of times and they treated me just like i was a part of their family. It really hurt my heart to hear what happened. God bless you Hatchett family and ill keep you in my prayers...
Shurle Northcross
April 13, 2021
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of Mr. Hatchett. He helped my family. He will be missed. His contributions to the city of Pontiac will always be remembered. Love, Shurle Northcross Family.
ROY ISAAC
April 13, 2021
A lifelong FRIEND
Marilyn McDonald
April 13, 2021
To the Entire Family of Attorney Elbert Hatchett,
Our deepest sympathy. He was truly an attorney for the people. May the good
Lord bless you. Always keep the memories of Attorney Hatchett close.
Nathaniel & Marilyn McDonald, & Family
John & Vanessa Eason
April 12, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Alicia Woodfork-Wilkerson
April 12, 2021
Mrs. Hatchett and the entire Hatchett Family:
Words cannot begin to express the depth of sadness felt when I learned of Attorney Hatchett's passing. I had the chance to first meet Attorney Hatchett through his late brother, Chief Court Officer Joel Hatchett, and his nephew, retired Court Officer Avery Hatchett. I was always in awe and star struck whenever I had the opportunity to witness him in the courtroom. Attorney Hatchett was a great orator; the greatest legal mind and master of cross-examination that I have ever witnessed to see and I thank God that I had the opportunity to tell him so so many times. His sophisticated, eloquent demeanor in and outside of the courtroom; his impeccable taste in clothing that turned heads for decades; a true trendsetter in every way and always a soft-spoken gentleman. I am going to miss Attorney Hatchett, but he left a lasting legacy that you all have to be proud of. He was a living legend; one of my heroes and I am thankful to God to have known him. Mr. Hatchett was always so very kind to me and truly one of the attorneys that I was always happy to see and speak to whenever he was at 50th District Court.
You all have my deepest and sincerest condolences. May God comfort each and every one of you and keep you in His care during your hour of bereavement. Rest in Heaven, Attorney Hatchett.
Sanual Mixon
April 12, 2021
Mr. Hatchett represented TRUE friendship. Judge Donald Lewis Hobson introduced us decades ago. Mr. Hatchett was always friendly and accessible. I will miss his smile and knowledge.. My prayers are with the family. Sanual Mixon, J.D.
bruce Thorburn
April 12, 2021
Elbert Hatchett was a hero for me and my family. An incredible lawyer and man. Our deepest condolences to the entire Hatchett family. Bruce Thorburn and the Thorburn family
Gary Ledsinger
April 12, 2021
Condolences goes out to this family he was a truly good friend an advocate for justice
Rhonda Burrows
April 12, 2021
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION.
Beverly Rollins
April 12, 2021
The lord is my shepherd
I shall want
He maketh ly down in Green pasture
He restored my soul
He leads in the past of righteousness
Yea doth I walk thu valley of death
I shall fear no evil
For thou are with me
Thy rod and thy staff they
Will comfort me.
Amen
Arletta Allen-Dilworth
April 12, 2021
Our deepest sympathy & most heartfelt condolences goes out to The family of Albert Hatchett
April 11, 2021
Mrs Hatchett Franklin Ayanna Alexis May The Peace Of God Be With You to Strengthen you through These Times.
Wil and Lenora Bryant
April 11, 2021
Elbert was not only a Great person, he was also a wonderful friend, with a kind and wonderful heart. Lenora and I are honored to be considered his friends and also that of his family.
“May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief ‘
With Love
Lenora and Wil
Wendell Woods
April 11, 2021
Attorney Elbert Hatchett is a lifelong and childhood friend of my father :Esmo T Woods. Mr Woods would visit Keola Hatchett’s house as a child an play the piano.
Attorney Hatchett often remarked that “ he {Hatchett} went to college to play basketball like “T” and when he realized {not the best option},he was about to graduate from Florida A&M as an undergraduate.
As adults , Attorney Hatchett and Esmo T Woods played tennis at Deer Lake Raquet Club, Circle H Ranch (Lapeer), and Hatchett’s house in Bloomfield Hills. Yet, they would share jazz albums at each other’s houses. Hatchett knew International drummer Elvin Jones (Pontiac native) often stayed at Woods house while in town . One visit Hatchett had a party at his house to celebrate Joneses achievements.
Months before Hatchett’s illness he would visit Mr Woods and talk about their childhood in Pontiac.
In 2001 Mr. Woods published a poetry book titled “Thunder and Lighting “ which included a poem about Hatchett -titled “A Poem for Two Champions of the Cause “ and created a pictorial history of Attorney Hatchett : “ The Life and Times of Elbert Hatchett” published in 2010.
Attorney Hatchett and his familes contributions will transcend time!!
Cynthia Samples
April 11, 2021
May your joy be complete from the precious memories your hearts hold. If God permits may the angel of the Lord be camped around you all during this most difficult time. With Deepest of Sympathy. (note: Love You M.H.)
Renee Beckley
April 11, 2021
Elbert Hatchett was my attorney and he was also a family friend to my uncle and late father. He was friendly and down to earth. He cared about people, not fame. He was good man. He always called me back to answer my legal questions. Elbert Hatchett was a unique lawyer, a true fighter and champion for the people. My condolences to Mrs. Laurastine, Frank, Ayanna, and Alexis. and the entire Hatchett family.
David Beckley
April 11, 2021
Elbert was my friend since childhood, I will miss him. My condolences to the family. God bless everyone.
Datonya Green
April 11, 2021
Our sincere prayers and condolences to the Hatchett family for such a jewel in our Pontiac community you will truly be missed
DeCarla Garner
April 10, 2021
RIP Mr. Hatchett
Oscar and Cynthia Lavalais
April 10, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Pastor Tommy & Lady Deborah Dean
April 10, 2021
To the Hatchett family,
Sending our prayers & condolences in the passing of a great Dignitary. He is sorely missed.
Linda Grandberry
April 10, 2021
My condolences to the Hatchett. May God keep his lovin arms around you during his difficult time
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151 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, MI 48341
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