Hattie Emily Williams Pope, the matriarch of 13 children born to the late Theodore and Ethel Williams, found joy on the morning of Friday, May 13. Like a beautiful flower enjoying the wonder of God’s awesome nature, Hattie quietly transitioned to rest eternally in God’s peaceful loving care. She was the pride of her siblings who always showed much love for her. They often affectionately called her “Snooks.” That love was evident in their recent recognition of her 92nd birthday.
Hattie was born April 30, 1930 in the rural area of Southampton County. Church and family were the focus of life during that time and those values remained dear to Hattie’s heart. She spoke fondly of memories from her hometown and her relatives and friends who lived there. Her hometown church, Bryant’s Baptist Church, Courtland, VA., was also a part of the special memories she enjoyed sharing.
Upon leaving home and venturing into adulthood, Hattie began studies in nursing. Her nursing career began at Raiford Hospital, Franklin, VA (now Southampton Memorial Hospital). She met Floyd J. Pope and they married prior to his entry into military service. She continued her career in nursing while he was away serving his country. Upon his return, they moved to Suffolk, VA and later made their home in Portsmouth, VA. It was there that she joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in 1963 and faithfully maintained her membership there until her passing.
Hattie became interested in cosmetology and began pursuing education in that field. She attended and completed studies at several institutions of beauty culture. She attained and exceeded her educational goals through her devotion to achieving excellence.
Hard work and dedication provided her the foundation that guided her into successfully developing her own business. She became owner and operator of Hattie’s Beauty Salon which grew into a 14-seat establishment. She kept abreast of new developments and continued attending many workshops and conferences through the years. She earned numerous recognitions and certificates for her outstanding work. The beauty salon she proudly established remains under ownership of her family to this date. It was gratifying for her to assist other beauticians and to provide a service to the surrounding community.
One of Hattie’s greatest loves was documenting family history and collecting pictures. She maintained many documents highlighting various branches of her family. They were well organized and neatly placed in albums, some recorded with dates. She manually charted branches of her family bearing a chronological listing of family names. She enjoyed sharing these with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and anyone who wanted to know about her family history. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband as well as fellow beauticians for workshops and conferences relative to beauty culture. Hattie loved eating and preparing foods with her own special recipes. It was the fresh from the farm vegetables and meats that she went to great lengths to find. Country cured meat was her favorite.
Hattie’s various accomplishments touched the lives of many. She had strong family values, determination for achievement and a sincere concern for others. She not only worked to acquire her own success, but she shared her success to help others. Hattie always cared about the wellbeing of her parents, her siblings, her fellow beauticians and close friends. To write Hattie’s life story in a book would be an enormous task. To have known her and to be a part of the beautiful chapters of her life is a blessing that words cannot adequately express.
Hattie reached out to the community whenever there was an opportunity to be of assistance. She was a wonderful comrade with the other businesses in the area on Portsmouth Blvd. where her business was located. Hattie Emily Williams Pope was a legacy in the City of Portsmouth and will live in our hearts forever.
Hattie was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd J. Pope and four brothers: James Williams, Fred Williams, Theodore Williams and Douglas Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory six sisters: Nannie Rollins, Doretha Grinnard (Thomas); Ethel Easter; Sadie Hill (Algie); Katie Flythe (Granger) and Brenda Tillery (Harry); two brothers: John Williams and Marvin Williams (Pauline); a sister-in-law, Nawatha Williams and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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Pamela Boone Blanco says
May 20, 2022 at 9:03 pmSending heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Hattie Pope. She was a sweet and kind lady as I remember through out the years. Ms. Hattie and my mother Odessa Boone were good friends as well as colleagues in the cosmetology profession.
Peace and Blessings,
Pamela Boone Blanco
Carolyn Glover and Family says
May 21, 2022 at 12:05 amMy heartfelt sympathy to the family,I used to call Ms.Hattie from time to time,my mother used to do her hair years ago in Douglas Park.She was an awful nice lady with a caring heart,she will sadly missed.Praying for comfort and strength.Our said he will never leave you nor forsake you,May he keep you all in his care.
James & Robin Hobbs says
May 23, 2022 at 5:31 pmWe are so sorry to hear about the loss of cousin Hattie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Williams & Pope families. She will be truly missed by all that had the distinct opportunity to be in her presence. Rest in peace our dear cousin.
The Family of James & Robin Hobbs
Fredericksburg, VA
James & Dorothy Hobbs says
May 23, 2022 at 5:34 pmPlease know that we are praying for the entire family during this time of sorrow. Rest in peace cousin Hattie.
Love,
James, Dorothy & Tim Hobbs
Franklin, VA