Helen Hatley

Mrs. Helen Justice Hatley, 90, of Hudson, died peacefully, Wednesday July 9, 2014 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care after a period of declining health. Helen was born on October 15, 1923, in Hudson, to the late Ira Lee Justice and Maude Sullivan Justice. Known for her gracious manner and charming smile, Helen’s affection for people, engaging curiosity, and keen listening skills allowed her to forge deep, enduring relationships and challenge people to excel.She became a best friend to many and a mentor to all. Helen’s passion for education led her to become the valedictorian of the Hudson High School Class of 1940, and later to become the second employee of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, where she helped shape the future of the institution and served as bookkeeper and business manager for over 20 years.One of her happiest moments was learning that the college would be located in her beloved hometown of Hudson.At retirement, the CCC & TI Board of Trustees bestowed on her the title of “Controller Emeritus” and established the “Helen J. Hatley Achievement Award” in her honor. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson, where she served in numerous capacities including Church Council, Altar Guild, and Sunday School Teacher.She was also an active member of Women of the ELCA. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by five siblings:Harold Justice, James Justice, Mary LeFever, Bill Justice, and infant sister Kathryn Justice. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Ellis E. Hatley, of Trinity Ridge; daughter Ann H. Houck and husband, Larry of McCormick, SC; daughter Kathryn H. Hicks and husband, James of Hudson; son James Ellis Hatley of Charlotte; three grandchildren, Lauri H. Stilwell and husband, Darren; Carey J. Houck and fiancée, Julie Egan; and David J. Hicks and wife, Margie. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Ben Pannenbacker and fiancée, Emma Dobbin; Luke Pannenbacker; Riley Houck; Rachel Houck; Madeleine Houck; Hatley Hicks; Hailey Hicks; and one great-great-grandchild; Liam Pannenbacker. Additional survivors include two sisters: Ruth J. Phillips and Betty J. Keaton; two sisters-in-law, Cleo Justice and Jean Justice; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held for Helen at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson at 3:00 Sunday July 13, 2014 with the Rev. Ann Kelly officiating.The family will receive friends at the church at 2:00 pm preceding the service.Private graveside rites will be conducted following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 325 Central Street Hudson, NC 28638 or The Foundation of CCC & TI “Helen J. Hatley Achievement Award”, PO Box 600 Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences may be sent to the Hatley Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com