Hattie Mae Lock

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the world lost a radiant spirit and a guiding light in the form of Hattie Mae Lock, who departed peacefully at the age of 92. She was born on August 30, 1933, in Holly Grove, Arkansas. Hattie graced the town of Gurdon, Arkansas, with her vibrant presence and unwavering dedication to uplifting those around her.

Hattie was a proud graduate of Gurdon High School. She met and married Willie Lock and to this union one son, Danny, was born. Hattie devoted her life to empowering others as a Life Skills Trainer at the Arkansas Human Development Center (AHDC). Through her work in human services, she touched countless lives, imparting wisdom, compassion, and encouragement.She was the caregiver for her entire family.

Hattie grew up and was a devoted member of Eastern Star Baptist Church where she served as a member of the choir, as President of the Usher Board and on Usher Board for over 30 years where she helped shape and train Ushers both old and young. She loved to shop and kept an impeccable yard. She enjoyed planting flowers and various type pf shrubbery. Often, she would listen to gospel music, and she enjoyed watching basketball and softball.

Hattie was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Lock; her son, Danny Lock; and her parents, John Henry Brown and Hannah Dixon Brown; her siblings, nine siblings, Richard Lee Brown, John Henry, Jr., Howard Brown, Sr., Minnie Mae Brown, Ruth Rivers, Geola Brown Hart, JD Brown, Lillie Mae Brown and Freddie Lee Brown; brothers-in-law, Sam Rivers, Willie Lee Lock and Grady Hart; sisters-in-law, Marie Brown, Willie Marie Brown, Katherine Tidwell-Brown, Shirley Brown, Patricia Brown, and niece Rosetta Bankole.

She was the cherished matriarch to her family and legacy lives in the hearts of her granddaughter, Danisha Lock, great-granddaughter, Daniya Harrison, and great-grandson, Orlando Blakey all of Smithton, Arkansas as well as her brothers, Alfred Brown, Robert Brown, and Edward Brown. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A public viewing will take place at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, September 19, 2025, from noon until 5:00 p.m. The celebration of Hattie’s journey will continue with funeral services at the Eastern Star Baptist Church on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Marshall Allen, officiating. Interment will be at Holly Grove Cemetery in Okolona, Arkansas.

As we gather to honor Hattie Mae Lock, let us remember her radiant smile and the kindness she spread like wildflowers in spring—a gentle storm that changed lives for the better. May her legacy inspire all who knew her to carry forward her message of love, resilience, and hope.