Mother Hattie Josephine Sands
A celebration of life for Mother Hattie Josephine Sands was held Sunday, Dec. 2, at Sardis C.M.E. Church, with Rev. Jack Lindsey officiating. Rev. Arthur Goodman is pastor.
Mrs. Sands was born March 4, 1926 in Jones County. She was the second daughter born to the late Milton and Oselene Ward. She received her education in Jones County public school system. After several years of service, she retired as a domestic house cleaner. Mother Hattie loved working those crossword puzzles, fishing, watching her favorite television shows—Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and The Young and The Restless. But most of all she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
At an early age, she joined St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Wayside, and Mt. Salem Baptist Church, Gray. Later she joined Sardis C.M.E. Church in Monticello. Over the years she has served as a faithful, dedicated, devoted and oldest member of Sardis C.M.E. Church. She worked faithfully as a stewardess, missionary president, and choir member. Mother Hattie loved her Sardis C.M.E. Church family and loved to visit various churches. Some of her favorite songs were: So Many Times the Lord Has Made A Way for Me, Jesus, Sweet Jesus, Precious Lord, Take Me to The King, Better Days, The Blood Would Never Lose His Power and many more.
On December 26, 1947, she was united in holy matrimony with the late Charlie O. Sands. Together they shared their lives and raised six children; one son preceded them in death. Her husband, Charlie O. Sands, three brothers, Eddie Ward, Julius Ward and Johnny Ward, along with two sisters, Mary Rooks and Margaret Nelson, one daughter-in-law, Clelia Sands, preceded her in death also.
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, God called Hattie from labor to reward. Being a humble servant, she answered. Here to cherish her memories and legacy of life are her children, Charlie C. Sands of Monticello; Mr. and Mrs. Walter (Gloria) Tuggle of Mansfield, Johnny Sands of Monticello, Mrs. Benjamin (Angelia) Whitening of Hillsboro and Mr. and Mrs. James (Mildred) Lawrence of Monticello; a brother, Freeman (Nettie) Ward of Gray; a sister, Mildred Morris of Macon; one foster brother Louis Randall, 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Smith and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.