Hattie Elizabeth Palmer

Hattie Elizabeth Palmer was born, June 17, 1935 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late John and Mary Belle Conn. Three children were born to this union, Baby Conn (still born), and a sister the late Mollie Ann Smotherman.

Hattie Elizabeth began her education in the public schools of Nashville, then went on to higher education at the then Tennessee A&I State College and earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1968. Hattie began her teaching career in Chicago Public Schools where she worked for thirty years and retired from there in 1998. Upon her return to Nashville, she worked another seven years in Metro Nashville Public Schools and retiring a second time in 2005.

Hattie loved God with all of her heart and she let her love flow through her to everyone she met, extended family, church family, neighbors, and the many children she taught. Hattie shared her love so generously and enthusiastically. She always had a warm smile, a kind word and a soft toughness for everyone she met. She felt good about herself and had a special knack for making other people feel good about themselves. Hattie was indeed a loving, caring, sharing, and giving person. Many of her former pupils were always giving her a call and checking in. She was truly a lover of people. She was the very essence of finer womanhood. Her poise and dignity personified the traits of a great lady of integrity. She always dressed fashionable, and spoke so eloquently as she was a world traveler in earlier times.

Much more can be said about Hattie. We loved her, but God loved her more. Hattie departed this life on August 1, 2025 at home to enter her eternal home. Those who cherish her memory are her devoted niece, Barbara Ann (Jose) Morales, Washington D.C., nephew Michael Smotherman, Nashville, Tennessee, nephew Basil Pat (Larita) Smotherman, Indianapolis, Indiana, Great niece, the late Kalynne (Byron) Richardson, Washington D.C., Great niece, Tiffany (Dennis) Murphy, Springdale, Maryland, God nieces and nephews, Bobby Smotherman Jr., Donna Jean (David) Jones, Mary Ellastein Smotherman, Shelia (Charles) Norman, Tammy Smotherman, Rodney Smotherman, all of Nashville, Tennessee, and a host of Great nieces and nephews and cousins, friends, and the Abundant Faith Fellowship Church family.