Mrs. Hattie Mae McKinney

Celebration Of The Life Of Hattie Mae McKinney: Hattie was born on October 12, 1925 in Sayre, Alabama to the late Issac and Isabelle Thomas She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age joining Beulah Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama. Hattie received her education in the Alabama Public School System graduating from Dunbar School. She also attended Wayne County Community College - Nursing Program. She married her childhood sweetheart Jake Brooks. From this union three children were born: Bedia Joyce, James Edward and Carol Ann. The family moved first to Chicago, Illinois. Hattie later moved to Detroit, Michigan. She married Odis McKinney and from that union three children were born: Anthony Curtis, Anita Rosette and Pamela Malrey. Hattie and her beloved husband Odis shared a wonderful marriage until his passing on December 22, 2003. She was a member of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church for more than 40 years. She was a devoted member of the Missionary Society and served in various capacities. In 2006, she was elected vice president-at-large. She was an active member of the Matrons, Circle 8, Assistant Teacher, Chairperson-Circle 9, District #13 and Layman speaker for Black History Month. As liaison for the “Adopt-a-School “ program, funds were donated to McFarlane Elementary School. She had a brief working career with Sears, Saks Fifth Avenue and Henry Ford Hospital. Hattie, an ambitious woman, desiring to be the “Head and Not the Tail,” the Boss. She devoted time, energy and her talents to improve the community where she resided. She was successfully elected precinct delegate for District 21 and held that position for 12 years. She was campaign manager for the late The Honorable Brenda Scott, Detroit City Council, and served as campaign manager for State Senator Irma Clark-Coleman. Among her many outstanding services, Hattie served on the fund-raising committee for purchasing educational materials, helped to acquire playground equipment for McFarlane Elementary School. She also was instrumental in having Ward/Cheyenne Streets changed from a dangerous two-way to a safer one-way traffic with a traffic light for added safety for McFarlane students. Hattie was the recipient of numerous awards that include, 1967 Dunbar Abrams Alumni, "Alumnus of the Year," 1984 Distinguished Service Award, Detroit City Council, 1987 State of Michigan, "Special Tribute," 1986 County of Wayne "Resolution," 1988 Detroit Urban League "Initiative Award," 1989 Certificate of Appreciation for "Moving Detroit Forward," 1992 Certificate of Participation" Missionary Society-Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, 1999 "Certificate of Appreciation" - Carver Camp” Metropolitan Missionary Baptist District and 2007 Missionary and Civic Worker for the United Sisterhood Wolverine State Baptist Convention. She was affiliated with the following organizations: Mary McCloud Bethune Organization, Dunbar-Abrams Alumni, Detroit Urban League, and Barton McFarlane School District Council. She was selected to attend the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter. She also received a personal letter of "Thanks for your Support" from former President Bill Clinton. She was an entrepreneur, establishing "GO—HI," a family business using the initials of family members-(Grace, Odis, Hattie, Isabelle). Her hobbies included creating silk floral arrangements, designing jewel embellished gym-shoes and "rocks with jewels." Hattie made her transition on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 after a valiant fight with failing health.

Mrs. Hattie Mae McKinney

October 12, 1925 - February 16, 2016