Rebecca Smith Hatcher, 83, of Apex, was ushered into God’s presence Sunday, October 28, 2018. She passed away peacefully after valiantly living with her dementia diagnosis since early 2016, and now is finally whole and completely healed. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, the excellent attention of her caregivers, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through the past two years of her life.
Rebecca (Becky) was born December 31, 1934 to the late Early Caraway Smith and Blonza Holleman Smith. She attended Apex High School followed by Meredith College to study music. During high school she met the love of her life, Sid Hatcher. They were married in 1954 and began their new life together. Becky was a talented musician that played the piano and organ and sang throughout her adult life, serving many years in her local church. She was a talented seamstress and artist, creating beautiful quilts, crafts, and paintings. Becky loved nature and felt the most comfortable outside enjoying God’s beautiful creation. She loved to work in her flower garden, and watch the birds at her feeder, especially Eastern Bluebirds. Becky had a gentle spirit that made everyone feel at ease, loved and accepted. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and always looked forward to time spent with her family. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith in Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Hatcher, and two brothers, Earl Smith, and Louis Smith. Rebecca is survived by her sons, Brett Hatcher (Janet), Kevin Hatcher (Cathy) and Derk Hatcher (Betsy); daughter, Holly Donaldson (Matthew); sisters, Sarah McLaurin and Martha Clement; sisters-in-law, Martha Ruth Smith, Jacque Smith, and Peggy Hatcher; and many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held 2 pm Saturday November 3 at Apex Baptist Church, 110 S. Salem Street, Apex, NC 27502. The family will receive friends in the lobby immediately preceding the service from 1 pm until 2 pm.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Research, Transitions Life Care Hospice in Raleigh, or any charity of your choice. To remember Becky and honor her, take some time to enjoy God’s beautiful gift of nature, sit quietly and listen to the birds sing their sweet songs, hug your loved ones tight, remember how much God loves you, and do not be too busy to stop and smell the flowers.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Condolences may be sent to www.ApexFuneral.net
