of Memphis, TN
May 20, 1917 - May 25, 2014
At the age of 97, on May 25, in Memphis, Tennessee, Hettie Mae Graddy Stephens took the hand of God and was reunited with her loving husband, 9 brothers and sisters, and her great-grandson, the Littlest Angel, Dawson Andre. Now that's a Graddy Family Reunion!
She was born on May 20, 1917 in Beryl, Arkansas to Joseph and Naomi Hartley Graddy. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas. She was married to Garland Lee Stephens for 61 years. He preceded her in death in 1998. Hettie was a homemaker, seamstress, and in her later years an artist. Many of you have received her special greeting cards. Her greatest love in recent years was her two great-granddaughters, Haley and Brooklyn Andre. She loved their hugs and drawings. She has been called by many names by her friends and family: Aunt Het, Hat, Hattie, mother, NeeNaw, and she always answered to ALL with love. She considered her nieces and nephews as her own. They will serve as her Honorary Pallbearers.
Hettie is survived by her daughter, Madelyn Stephens Andre, and favorite son-in-law Jim Andre of Memphis, Tennessee, one grandson, Sean Andre, his wife Heather, and two great granddaughters, Haley and Brooklyn Andre of Lakeland, Tennessee.
The Andre Family would like to thank all the Staff at Wesley Highland Terrace, Signature Healthcare, and Crossroads Hospice for providing Hettie Mae with such excellent care for the past several years. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations given to Wesley Senior Ministries, Golden Cross Foundation, 1615 Appling Rd., Cordova, TN. 38016. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 28, at 12:00 noon followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home. There will not be a graveside service. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
Even though we had only briefly met Ms. Stephens a couple of times at the home of her daughter, Madelyn, it is easy to understand the sentiments of love and caring that have been expressed by both family and friends. We are confident that these qualities will endure in the memories of the many people whose lives she so graciously touched.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Hettie Mae was a lovely, talented Southern lady who willingly shared her skills. I still remember some of the things I learned at her home, especially how to make pudding that doesn't lump!
Hettie was one of my favorite patients.
She once gave me a set of gardening books which I still refer to.
Garland and I swapped tomatoes we grew.
Hettie and Garland were interesting friends.
All the Graddy;s were nice people.
I had lost track of her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this time. We have many fond memories of our thoughtful neighbor across the street. God bless you all.
Am so sad that Het is gone. Guess she's getting a well-deserved rest from her labors. She was always helping someone. She helped Mother make my wedding dress, and I still have a dress she made Mary Christy when she was a baby. I can't part with it. My heart goes out to you and the family. What a wonderful example she was to us all. Love you.
I will miss Hattie Mae so much, she always made me smile!:)
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.