Opal Mae “Aunt Opal” Hatcher, 84, of Woods Edge Drive, Niles died at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at West Woods of Niles following an illness.
She was born on Dec. 29, 1925 in Tiptonville, Tenn. to Will and Willie Mae (Churchwell) Moore.

She was a resident of the Hatcherville community of Niles for more than 60 years where she was also a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church and a caregiver to neighbors and friends. She also enjoyed playing bingo at the former Eastgate Mall and flower gardening her yard.

She was married to Harold J. Hatcher, who preceded her in death in 1990.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Cross, and a brother, Robert Jermison.

Surviving family members include her 13 children, Marvine Nicks and Marlene Wade, both of Niles, Carolyn Hatcher and Opal Faye Hatcher, both of South Bend, Geraldine Hatcher and Janet Sue White, both of Niles, Harold Hatcher Jr., of Oakland, Calif., Deborah Grady, of Inkster, Mich., Donna (and Joe) Coleman, Romonna (and Arthur) Jones, Michael Hatcher and Lisa Hatcher, all of Niles, and Tracey (and Chris) Hatcher, of Dowagiac; 34 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren and 17 great great-grandchildren, all of those grandchildren lovingly calling her “Big Momma.”

Also surviving are her brothers, John (and Josephine) Moore and Troy (and Florence) Moore, both of Chicago; sisters, Lovie Mae (and Eugene) Nichols, of Chicago, and Rosalie Lyons, of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Opal Hatcher will be at noon Monday, March 29, 2010 at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Niles, with Opal’s son, Elder Tracey Hatcher of Peace Temple Church of God in Christ, officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at the church.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.