Hatcher, Nell Collins

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Nell Hatcher, 85, of Radford, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2007. She was born August 9, 1921, in Bedford, the daughter of Benjamin L. Collins and Mary Will (Wiley) Collins.

In addition to her mother and father, her brother, “Buck”, preceded her in death. Nell graduated from New London Academy, Forrest, Virginia, in 1937, at the age of 15. She earned a BA in Education, Chemistry and Social Science from Radford College; a Master of Science in Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute; and completed postgraduate work in Psychology and Social Studies at the University of Virginia.

In 1942 she began her teaching career in Concord, Virginia. In 1946 she joined the teaching staff of Radford High School. She taught in Radford for 40 years before retiring in 1986. While teaching in Radford, she received the Teaching Award from the Freedom Foundation, instituted Student Government Day, received the VFW Voice of Democracy Award, organized and sponsored the National Honor Society, was initiated into Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, sponsored the Senior Class, served as a mentor to many student and beginning teachers and served as a counselor to Virginia Girls’ State.

Following retirement, she continued her involvement in the schools by serving as a judge for the Mountain Academic Competition Conference. Nell received a Key to the City of Radford in 1985 and a second Key to the City in 2006 for her contributions to the community. She also received the Rotarians’ Paul Harris Award and the Kiwanis Dedicated Service Award.

She was active in various positions in churches throughout her life and served as a dedicated volunteer in the nursery of First Baptist Church for the past several years. Nell loved people, especially babies, and she played an integral role in the lives of many children.

She was also very devoted to animals, especially Yorkies, and served as “mother” to several fortunate pets. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, William Biggs Hatcher; two Yorkies, Max and Molly; a niece, Mary “Punkie” Conover; and her husband, Curt.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Radford High School. Foundation, PO 2823, Radford, or to the First Baptist Church of Radford, (designated nursery program).

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at the First Baptist Church of Radford. Services will follow at 7 p.m. Interment will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 27, 2007, at Sunrise Burial Park. DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford is handling arrangements.