Hattie Ford

…I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician, in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care. (In part taken from the ”Nightingale Pledge”) Hattie Mae Butler was born in Reeder, Arkansas, on December 8, 1946. She was the fourth child born of seven, three boys and four girls, to Richard Love Butler, Sr., and Dail Brown Butler. Hattie professed a hope in Christ, was baptized and united with Sweet Home Baptist Church of Prescott. She received her spiritual nourishment and inspiration in the church as well as from her parents. Hattie received her elementary and high school education as a student in the Nevada County Public school system. She was a 1964 graduate of McRae High school where she excelled as a student. She grew up to be a loving, kind and intelligent young woman. Hattie lived in Kansas City, Missouri and later moved back to Prescott. She was employed at the Nevada County Hospital as a nurse helper. It was there she felt the desire to devote herself to the care of others. In pursuit of her dream she attended Texarkana College and began her journey. After perseverance, obstacles and determination her dream became a reality. With her registered nurses license she applied and was hired to work full time at Wadley Hospital. Hattie was a dedicated nurse who gave 25 years of unselfish service at Wadley Hospital. Hattie married and the Lord added to their union two children, Leary Ford, Jr.,  and Jennifer Ford. She made friends across every race, gender, faith and creed; she freely offered wise counsel, gave generously to those in need and inspired everyone who crossed her path. On October 7, 2010, Hattie slipped the surely bonds of this earth and traded time for eternity. Those awaiting her arrival are one brother and two sisters. She leaves indelible impressions in the heart and minds of her children: Leary Ford, Jr., of Fairbanks, Alaska and Jennifer Fry of Nashville, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Danielle and Daniel Fry, Kimberly and Aleisha Ford; three step grandchildren; two brothers, Richard (Lottie) Butler of Kansas City, Missouri and Henry (Shelia) Butler of Prescott;  a sister in law, Minnie Butler and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mrs. Ford will lie in state at Williams Funeral Home - The Prescott Chapel, 113 E. Elm St. in Prescott, Arkansas on Friday, October 15, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family hour will be from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. All have been invited to attend a celebration of her life at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2010, in Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Mickey Manning officiating. The committal service and final resting place will be in Sweet Home Cemetery. Bearers of the casket will be James Butler, Tyrone Butler, Phillip Nixon, Don Nixon, Leary Ford, Sr., Leary Ford, Jr., James Walker and Brone Bowie.