Hattie Ferrell

Hattie Ferrell, "Sister Baby," a woman of radiant faith, sharp wit, and boundless love, transitioned peacefully from this life on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on January 18, 1941, in Thomasville, Georgia, to the late Cornelius Brinson-Roan and Aaron "Amos" Roan, Hattie lived a full and beautiful life anchored in her love for the Lord Jesus Christ.

A proud attendee of Douglas High School, Hattie's work took her through many doors, but her greatest joy was serving others through the gift of food and fellowship. Known far and wide for her famous cinnamon rolls, cakes, and dressing, she blessed countless students and families while working in the cafeterias of Jerger Elementary School, Balfour Headstart Program, and McIntyre Park Middle School. She didn't just feed bodies — she nourished hearts, offering smiles, encouragement, and sometimes a loving but sharp-tongued word that only she could deliver.

Hattie's vibrant personality made her the life of every gathering. Many in the Thomasville community knew her as "Auntie" or "Grandma," titles she embraced wholeheartedly. She especially cherished her role as "Grandma" to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She proudly carried their photos everywhere and talked about them endlessly — with her signature line being, "If you're tired of hearing about them, you might not want to talk to me. She loved being the keeper of Grands and Great Grands' secrets. Hattie was their partners in crime;  filling them with sugar and cake.

Hattie shared a one-of-a-kind bond with her son, Rickey Roan. Their days were filled with laughter, playful banter, occasional fussing, and unwavering love — two peas in a pod who could not be separated. Her marriage to the late Tommy Ferrell was a cherished chapter of her life; she often spoke of the love they shared and the life lessons he taught her, lessons that carried her through every season. She also held a lifelong closeness with her sister, Annie "Boomp" Addison. Together, they enjoyed fishing, rides to the Piggly Wiggly, early morning phone calls, and more laughter than words could ever capture.

Hattie was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Tommy Ferrell; her siblings, James Brinson (Rosa Lee), Henry Adams (Helen), and Annie Addison (Tommy); and her niece Valerie Bradshaw.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Rickey Roan; three grandchildren, Dr. Clarissa Roan-Belle (Mory), Rickey Roan Jr., and Justin Roan (Karol); and five great-grandchildren, MJ Belle, Rickey Roan III, Ayanna Roan, Morgan Belle, and Jace Roan. She also served as a second mother to her niece and nephews: Cynthia Hadley (Tommie), Aaron Roan, Anthony Roan, and Timothy Roan. She is also survived by her beloved fur baby, Bear, along with a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends.

Hattie was a faithful and active member of Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Mother of the Church. She was known for her beautiful singing voice, her ability to minister through song, and her gift for speaking words that touched hearts and lifted spirits. Her faith was not just something she professed — it was something she lived. She often shared testimonies about what God had brought her through, her tears of joy a testament to the depth of her gratitude. One of her favorite sayings was, "Never say goodbye — always say, 'See you later,' because this is not the end."

Her life was a living reminder that love is best shown in action. She loved deeply, treated people with dignity, and created a legacy of kindness and strength. As we celebrate her homegoing, may her life be a rallying cry for us to love more freely, speak more kindly, and hold each other closer — for those are the things that matter most.