Linnie Marcella Hatcher

LINNIE MARCELLA LUCAS HATCHER

Age 90, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2023 in La Plata, MD.  She was born on October 20, 1933 in Clairton, PA, was the second of four children born of the late William D. and Lela M. Price Lucas, and was predeceased by her husband, LeRoy Earl Hatcher.   

In 1951, Linnie graduated from Clairton High school. Following graduation, she traveled to New York and attended business school while she did administrative work.  She returned to Clairton in 1953.  Realizing the importance of education, Linnie earned an associate degree.

She worked night shifts as a taste tester at the H. J. Heinz Company headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. Falling asleep on the job led her to work at the J.R. Richards company in Carnegie, PA as an assembly line worker. Linnie’s “best job” was working at the United Steelworkers of America as an Administrative Assistant.  She enjoyed the friendships formed and the many business trips with her husband and manager. She retired in 2003 after working 32 years.

Linnie married the love of her life, LeRoy Earl Hatcher, in 1955, and the two remained together for the next 66 years. They were the loving parents of four “beautiful” children and a nephew.

She fought and overcame many life battles. She recalled being the first African American family to buy a row house in Homewood, PA in the late 1950’s.  The neighbors moved away the next day.  In September 2022, after her husband’s passing, she moved from her home, church family, and friends, and relocated to Waldorf, MD.  In addition, in March 2023, she sold her Pittsburgh home.  Linnie triumphed over these major life event changes and eventually became comfortable at her new residence in Harmony at Waldorf, in Maryland.  She was well known for sitting in “her” lobby chair as if she was the Harmony security/watch person.  However, she never forgot her Pittsburgh friends and church family. 

Linnie lived a full and blessed life!  She loved her children and family, meeting and talking with people, sitting on the front porch, watching endless news reports, watching her “stories” (the Young & Restless and the Bold & Beautiful), the Steelers, eating crab cakes, corn, ribs, and drinking Pepsi. She hosted many unforgettable Thanksgiving gatherings at her home, and it was her favorite holiday because the extended family was all together.  She loved “oldies but goodies” music if it was not blaring.  In her life, she would not do anything differently and her greatest influence was her momma who taught her everything.  She was an extremely generous woman and she hoped that her friends would describe their relationship as nice.  Her favorite pastime was relaxing, and her life philosophy was “just do right”.  Linnie’s greatest fear of the world was that things have changed.  Things aren’t what they used to be, and change is not always good.

Linnie joined White Lily Baptist Church in 1969.  She served on the Usher Board and was a Willing Workers member.  She served as the annual graduation coordinator and recognized/presented a check and bible to all graduating members.  She was a past Secretary and past Loyal Lady Ruler of Pittsburgh Assembly #6 and a past Secretary of Cyrene #9 Order of Eastern Star (OES) for 20+ years as well as the past Worthy Matron of OES.

Linnie is predeceased by her sister, Edith Carson and brother, William Lucas. She is survived by her sister, Jarvis Williamson, Portsmouth, NH; brother-in-law Ronald (Sylvia) Hatcher, Lansing MI; her beloved children, Allison Johnson, Imperial, PA; Shari (Robert) Thomas, Accokeek, MD; Loran (Lydia) Hatcher, Arlington, VA; Lance (Lezlie) Hatcher, Woodstock, MD; and nephew, Bryan Ruth, Pittsburgh, PA; her grandchildren, Anton and Courtney Brown, Stephanie (Jason) Mathis, Tiffanie Thomas; Lyric, Lyrin, Lukas, Lukai, Landrie, and Lakin Hatcher; great grandchildren, Judah and Judeah Matthews; a host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews; extended family, Joanne and Karl Richardson, and Linda Vaughan (Louis); and a host of dearly beloved friends. 

Visitation

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at White Lily Baptist Church, 3621 Chartiers Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15204.

Homegoing Service

8:30 am viewing and 9:30 am funeral on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at White Lily Baptist Church, 3621 Chartiers Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15204.

Livestream on White Lily Baptist Church’s Facebook and YouTube pages

Interment

12:30 pm at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robinson Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to White Lily Baptist Church - Willing Workers in honor of Linnie M. Hatcher.

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