Rachel Leigh Hatfield

Rachel Leigh Hatfield, born on February 8, 1974, to parents Gary and Karen Hatfield, passed away on August 26, 2025, at the age of 51. Rachel, a lifelong resident of Canton, Texas, spent her life surrounded by family and friends who cherished her deeply.

Rachel is survived by her father and stepmother, Gary and Judy Hatfield of Canton, Texas; her sister, Kristin Mora of New York; her brother and sister-in-law, Eric and Nicole Hatfield; as well as countless other family members. She was preceded in death by her mother, Karen Hatfield Colvin and loving grandparents Morris and Rosa Bailey, and J.L. and Carol Ann Hatfield.

Rachel was born with a serious heart condition and shortly afterwards found out she had Down’s syndrome. The doctors told her parents she probably would not live to be ten years of age. But God had other plans for this bundle of joy…

Being “special” to Rachel only meant she couldn’t stay in school full time due to illness; and that her portable oxygen was an added fashion accessory.

In her adult years, Rachel could only read and write her first name, yet spent countless hours day after day highlighting one of her many Bibles that she cherished deeply. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God spoke to Rachel in a special way. She had “Jesus in her heart” carried God’s word everywhere she went and showed it to everyone she ran into.

When asked what she wanted for her birthday or Christmas, it was always the same answer-“a new Bible”. With Bible study every night she went from saying Easter was about “eggs” to “Jesus loved me this much (spreading her arms open wide) “that He died on the cross and went back to Heaven”.

She knew the Bible more than most, and understood Heaven even more. If only we could all be as bold in our walk and Faith. There wasn’t a rainbow in the sky that she didn’t point to God’s Promise!…🌈😇

Rachel will be remembered for her warm spirit and the joyful laughter she brought to those around her. As a well-known and beloved member of her community, Rachel will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Canton, Tx. on Wednesday, September 17th, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations go to First Baptist Church, Canton, Tx. “Building fund” to continue God’s good news or to rubysrainbow.org "Helping Students with Down Syndrome Achieve Their Dreams".