Lucy M. Hatch

Lucy M. Hatch, 87 of Abilene, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the University Church of Christ, 733 EN 16th Street. Visitation will be on Monday, September 14 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

Lucy was born November 8, 1938 in Jackson, Mississippi, to Myrtis Flowers Meaders & Thomas Garner Meaders. She grew up in Jackson and graduated from Forest Hill High School. While at Forest Hill, she was an outstanding student and was selected drum major of the Mississippi All-State Band.

She attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) on a full scholarship. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She was selected to Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in the field of education), CWENS (women's honor society), and Mortar Board Honorary Societies (Outstanding Achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service). She was also a freshman cheerleader, featured twirler, and flute player for the Ole Miss marching band.

While at Ole Miss in her sophomore year, she met a basketball player, Garnie Ray Hatch. They married her junior year. Lucy graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. They moved to Alachua, Florida where Garnie took a job coaching basketball, and Lucy raised their 5-month-old son, Ray. She started teaching 5th grade the next year. Four years later, and after the birth of their second son, Lee, they moved to Gainesville, Florida. While there, she taught 4th grade math and created and filmed two educational television series for 3rd and 4th grade math. In Gainesville, she was selected as the Outstanding Young Educator for a 9-county district.

After three years, the family moved to Torrance, California for Garnie to coach basketball at Pepperdine University. Lucy taught 3rd grade in Torrance public schools.

A year later, they moved to Abilene, Texas, where Garnie accepted the head basketball coaching position at Abilene Christian College (University). Lucy taught at Franklin Junior High and Taylor Elementary. After earning her Master's Degree, she became a Math Consultant for Region IV Education Service Center. Years later, she accepted a position in the Education Department at Abilene Christian University where she spent 19 enjoyable years working with aspiring educators. During her tenure, she was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award for the College of Professional Studies (1991-1992) and Outstanding Educator for the College of Arts and Sciences (1996-1997). After a total of 43 years of teaching, she joined Garnie in retirement. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with their grandchildren, and being active in the University Church of Christ. Lucy could be found almost every Sunday morning at the top of the stairs greeting and giving hugs to all the children heading to Bible class.

Lucy and Garnie volunteered at Christian Service center after retirement until 2026. Lucy ran The Operation Blue Jeans Program and School Supply Drive for several years. She found great joy working in the center's bargain room.

She is survived by her husband Garnie Hatch; sons Ray Hatch (Kem) of Frisco, Texas; Lee Hatch (Liz) of Abilene; Five Grandchildren, Ryan Hatch (Xiaorong) of Los Angeles, California; Stephanie Sharpe (Andrew) of Plano, Texas; Jason Hatch (Audrey and Arthur) of Irving; Jackson Hatch (Emily and Lakon) and Travis Hatch of Abilene; and four great-grandchildren, Nora and Allyson Sharpe; and Terra and Emmy Hatch.

The family would like to recognize and extend special thanks to the staff at the Hendrick Hospice Center for their outstanding support and care.

In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider a donation to the Christian Service Center of Abilene, University Church of Christ Missions, Hendrick Hospice Center, or the charity of your choice.