Hattie B

Clanton

Hattie Belle Clanton departed this life on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. She was born on February 28, 1937 to the late Martha Alston Clanton and Lee Roy Clanton. She was the fourth eldest of eleven children which included four brothers and seven sisters. Hattie was a feisty, fiercely independent, and hard working farm daughter who took no sass from anyone. Her younger siblings feared her as much as they feared their parents. Still, she was friendly, caring, loving and generous. Hattie attended public schools in Vaughn and Franklin Counties where she protected her siblings and friends alike. No one dared to bother either unless they would have to challenge her.

Around the age of 20, Hattie moved to Baltimore, MD and lived with an uncle and family. While the parents worked, she lovingly cared for her small cousins. Later, she moved to New York City and then to Englewood, NJ where she began her career. Hattie was employed at Englewood Hospital where she prepared, served, and delivered meals to patients while also delivering a healthy dose of hospitality, care and encouragement. While she facilitated some culinary training in the kitchen, she was most well-known for baking delicious sweet potato pies and macaroni and cheese. After 42 years of service, she retired with esteemed praise and admiration.

Hattie was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was active in the culinary ministry as well as a former member of the Senior Usher Board, and the Helping Hand Club. She was a warm and nurturing spirit who would help anyone. She was well known for her hospitality, and generosity demonstrated by her random fish fry's and hearty meals she made for members and friends. Hattie was also a former player on the Englewood Women's softball team.

Hattie loved to express her affection with the heartiness of her hugs. Her warm embrace with that little extra squeeze was like no other.

Hattie leaves to mourn her passing but celebrate her Homegoing - her daughter, Johnnie M. Ray (Kevin), three grandchildren- Sean, Kevin II, Tahneisha Forrest (Jason), five great-grands - Izaiah, Jeremiah, Jaylon, Jordan, and Meridian; five sisters - Patricia Clanton Hughes (Jacob) of Garner, NC,  Dorothy Clanton Parker of Middletown, DE, Clara Clanton Beasley (John) of Irvington, NJ, Mary Clanton Green of Fredericksburg, VA and Alice Clanton of Raleigh, NC and one brother, Gordon Clanton (Bessie) of Linden, NC; a special aunt, Evelyn Thornes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members. Three brothers preceded Hattie in death - James Clanton (George Marie), Wille Clanton (the late Betty) and Clinton Clanton and one sister, Sallie Clanton Bart.

Hattie, we will always love you and miss you!