Hattie B. Smith

Hattie Bee Smith, lovingly known to many as “Ms. Hattie,” was born on February 15, 1926, in Tchula, Mississippi, to Lee and Parrena Ford. As one of ten children, she grew up alongside her siblings Minnie, Frank, Robert, Lee Jr., Hulena, Paul, Gladys, Rebecca, and Johnny. Together, they learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and unity while helping their sharecropping parents care for the family farm.

From an early age, family was at the heart of Hattie’s life. Whether working together on the farm or gathering for special celebrations, her love for family radiated in everything she did. She carried this devotion throughout her life, ensuring that those she loved always felt supported, heard and cared for. 

As a teenager, Hattie left home and attended boarding school. She excelled as both a student and basketball player. After high school, she met the love of her life, Johnnie Smith, and the two were married in 1946. Johnnie, a dedicated Army Sergeant First Class, and Hattie shared a life of adventure and partnership, including time spent abroad in Japan during WWII. Despite the challenges of military life, including Johnnie’s battle with tuberculosis, they built a beautiful life together in Denver, Colorado. As an extraordinary homemaker, Hattie raised their three children, Doyce, Delbert, and Kelvin, and stood as a pillar of strength and love for their family throughout their 48 years of marriage.

Hattie’s commitment to her community and unwavering faith defined her life. She was deeply involved in civic advocacy, working alongside leaders such as Colorado State House Representative Arie Taylor, Former State Legislator Gloria Swanson Lyle, and Councilman Hiawatha Davis. Known for her belief in family order, discipline, and doing things with decency, she was a respected voice in her community.

A devoted woman of faith, Hattie joined Central Baptist Church in 1948, where she served wholeheartedly in numerous ministries, including the Mission Gleaners Choir, Benevolence Culinary Ministry, and the Western States Baptist Convention. She was Central’s oldest member and a revered church Mother, providing wisdom and guidance to generations of congregants.

In 2022, at the age of 96, Hattie achieved a lifelong dream through the Make-A-Wish Foundation when she traveled with her niece Janice Turner, back to Tchula, Mississippi, to visit her parent’s gravesites. This journey brought her profound peace and gratitude, marking a true milestone in her life.

Known for her resilience, kindness, and spirited personality, Hattie was never shy about sharing her opinion or offering the truth—always with good intentions. If you were going to stay on her good side you better be on time (actually 30 minutes early) and do things in decency and in order. Her strength, humor, and wisdom left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She found joy in rooting for her beloved Denver Broncos and Nuggets, holding season tickets for years and even meeting players.

Hattie’s incredible journey of 98 years ended on November 10, 2024, when she joined her Lord and Savior. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnnie; her children, Doyce, Delbert, and Kelvin; and all of her siblings.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and strength cherished by her granddaughter, Caryl Smith (Gregory) Gilbert; grandson, Mandingo (Sandra Byone) Cooper; great-grandchildren, Osiris Gilbert, Xavier Gilbert, Spencer Gilbert, Gregory Alexander Gilbert Jr., and Danielle Hendrix; goddaughter, Rosalyn Colen; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Hattie Bee Smith was a warrior, a beacon of light, and a true matriarch. Her life, filled with faith, family, and service, will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever celebrated in the hearts of those she touched.