Linda was born on August 8, 1933, in Charlotte, North Carolina. She lived most of her life in Charlotte except for the years she lived with her husband Van in Shreveport, Louisiana where he was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base.
In 1951, Linda graduated from Charlotte’s Central High School, where she was a star basketball player, and married Van on December 21 of that year. After Van’s service in the Air Force, Linda and Van returned to their hometown and spent the next season of their lives raising and enjoying their family, including three children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
While she cheered for Van in his racing days, Linda enjoyed competing in ladies’ bowling leagues where she was a skilled “lefty.” As a gifted organist, Linda found joy and comfort through playing hymns. Linda shared Van’s passion for the open road, and the two traveled around the United States and throughout the world. She was always ready for a new adventure.
Throughout the years, Linda used her gift of serving others. She always loved meeting needs, especially through providing meals and being a true friend. It was Linda’s deep joy to serve her Savior, church, family, and friends. Linda pointed her family to the importance of faith in Jesus and the calling to care for others in His name.
Linda was preceded in death by Van Marshall Hatley, to whom she was a loving and devoted wife for almost 62 years.
Linda is survived by her three children, Michael Hatley (Linda), Jeffrey Hatley (Sherry), and Renee Ratcliffe (John); her seven grandchildren, Katrina Stalls (Jason), Jessica Hatley, Nathaniel Hatley, Eric Hatley, Christopher Hatley, Andrew Hatley (Alissa), and Caroline Ratcliffe; and her great-grandchildren, Ali, Wesley, Owen, Hayden, Aaron, Elisabeth, Daniel, and soon-to-be-born Marshall. Linda is also survived by her brother, Charles Thrower (Rosie).
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 17, at 11am – 12:30pm at Carmel Baptist Church, 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews, 28105, with a service to celebrate Linda’s life at 1pm and interment at Sharon Memorial Park following.
Memorials may be made to Carmel Baptist Church, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, the Alzheimer’s Association, Cakeable Charlotte, or a charity of your choosing.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Hatley family.
