Avis Deloris Hatcher, was born as a twin to the late Jonathan and Victoria Laroda on September 16, 1912. She was known and loved by many as “Momma Avis.” She departed her earthly journey of over 96 years on March 20, 2009 at the Warren Manor Nursing Home.
She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age, and after joining the New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, served faithfully as an usher and a member of the Usher Crusade.
She was educated through the public schools of Dade County in Miami, Florida. Momma Avis continued her studies and graduated from Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing as a Nursing Assistant. She worked in this profession in both Florida and Pennsylvania, and later retired after working many years at Warren Manor Nursing Home.
She was married and devoted to the late Curtis Hatcher, Jr. and was preceded in death by her stepson, James Hatcher and stepdaughter, Cenna Tate. Momma Avis was also preceded in death by three brothers, John Laroda, Edward Laroda, and David Laroda; three sisters, Grace Laroda, Estelle Laroda, and Mammie Laroda; and her step grandson, Clyde Mills.
She leaves to cherish her memories, one stepdaughter, Willie Ann Mills of Selma; eight step grandsons, Mike (Bridget) Mills and Cornell Mills of Selma, Marvin (Hilda) Mills of Philadelphia, PA, Willie Mills and Curtis (Sandra) Mills of Detroit, MI, Joseph (Glinda) Mills and James Mills of Portland, OR and Morris Mills of Florida; three step granddaughters, Jessie (Corbett) Johnson of Detroit, MI, Shirley Langdon of Montgomery, AL, and Cenna Jones of Raleigh, NC; twenty-eight step great grandchildren and twenty-three step great-great grandchildren. A special and loyal friend, Minnie Bell Watts, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends are also left to cherish her memories.