Helen Louise Hatley

Helen Louise Dry Hatley “Mother of 4”, passed away on March 17, 2019 at Pruitt Health in Harrisburg. She was born September 12, 1926 in Concord, to Wilbert Homer and Elizabeth Childers Dry.

A native of Cabarrus County, Helen graduated from Hartsell High School in 1944. She married Charles H. Hatley on his return from World War II in 1946 and the young couple bought a home on Poplar Street, where they lived for over 50 years. Charles predeceased her, along with her parents and siblings, Margaret Corl, Ruth Hatley, Roy Dry and William Dry.

Quick-witted and sassy, Helen loved to sew and was a seamstress and quilter extraordinaire! During her early married years, she sewed all of Charles’ shirts and all of her and the girls’ dresses. Throughout her life, Helen never saw a garment or garment pattern that she couldn’t duplicate or alter. During the 70’s, she taught herself how to quilt. This soon became her passion. She kept a stack of 35-40 hand-made baby quilts that she regularly donated to the Baptist Mission House. A life-long member of Southside Baptist Church in Concord, she traveled with her sewing machine on Church Mission Trips to sew for the needy.

Helen’s talent always amazed. This past year at 92 and while residing at Pruitt Health, she demonstrated how to cut and sew in a collar on a child’s dress.

In addition to her sister, Willie Mae Moose, survivors include her “four girls”, Judy Hatley Dabb, and husband, Kelly of Harrisville, Utah, Charlene Hatley Conrad and husband, Robert of Harrisburg, Ann Hatley Cole and husband, Barry of Yadkinville, NC, and Beth Hatley Barbee, and husband, Kevin of Concord; Helen’s grandchildren, Caroline Fay and husband, Drew of Dallas, Texas, Sheree Catingub of San Francisco, California, Caleb Moose, and wife, Brittany of Commerce City, Colorado, and Seth Barbee of Concord; one great-grandson, Oscar Otto Fay, son of Caroline and Drew of Dallas; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Wilkinson Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:30 am with the funeral service beginning at 1:30 pm. Helen’s long-time pastor and friend, Reverend Robert Leonard will officiate. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses, CNA’s and staff at Pruitt Health and Hospice in Harrisburg, who cared for, and loved her these last few years. Helen returned this love with her ever present humorous quips, and true appreciation for their tender care.

Memorials may be made to Baptist Children’s Home of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361.