Flavil Ragan Hatcher, a lifetime Fayetteville resident and inspirational Biology teacher (who was better known to all her students as Mother Nature), entered into Heaven on November 5th, 2024.
Mrs. Hatcher was born in Walnut Grove Alabama, and moved to her generational family farm in Tullahoma TN, in a house built by her grandfather. Her love of nature and biology began on this home place. Her favorite memory was her and her father staying up late into the night looking at the stars. She graduated from Tullahoma High School in 1948 with a multitude of accolades. Mrs. Hatcher played basketball for 4 years, was elected to Girl’s State, was the sports editor of the annual, played tennis, sang in the glee club, and participated in countless other extracurricular activities.
She proceeded to attend MTSU after high school graduation and graduated with a Biology degree from MTSU, where she was the homecoming queen her senior year. She was very proud of the fact she was chosen to be the assistant biologist for Dr. Parchment the head of the biology department at MTSU. Mrs. Hatcher was also elected to the prestigious “Who’s-Who” organization of college students. It was at MTSU that she met the love of her life, Dr. Bill Hatcher. They were married in Tullahoma on 12/26/1953. After teaching and living in Memphis while Dr. Hatcher completed dental school, they moved to Fayetteville. She taught in the Fayetteville School System at Ralph Askins school (Charlie Bagley school) and moved quickly to a job she absolutely loved at Fayetteville Junior High.
Mrs. Hatcher will be most remembered for establishing the Fayetteville City Schools Outdoor Environmental Center at Fayetteville Junior High for which she won several State of Tennessee awards and local accolades. The environmental center was the first of its kind. She also started the recycling program in Fayetteville before recycling was even popular. The lives she touched in the classroom, inspired students who became doctors, nurses, teachers, and many more who will forever express their gratitude for having her in class. She was always there for any child who struggled or was bullied, encouraging and believing in them to achieve their dreams.
Mrs. Hatcher stayed in her beloved home she and her husband built in 1963 until her death. Her favorite place on earth was her outside carport with her birds, squirrels, plants, hummingbirds, foxes, oppossum, and many other creatures. Her carport was enjoyed by many for visiting, and a place of rest and inspiration.
Mrs. Hatcher was also involved in numerous organizations. She served as President of the Retired Teaching Association for many years. She was a member of the Alpha- Kappa club, Junior Round Dozen, Rotary-Ann’s, and served on the Fayetteville School Board, Rose Hill Cemetery Board, and Foster Review Board for foster children. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, where she served as a Stephen minister, Director of the Children’s Church program, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School, Noteables, and The Friendship group, which visited nursing homes. Her gorgeous tree-filled yard was also used many a year for the Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt.
She is proceeded in death by her husband Dr. Bill Hatcher, sister Nahn Laughmiller, and brother Carl Bailey Ragan Jr. Mrs. Hatcher is survived by her 4 children. Beth (Rod) Davis, Bea (Joe) Fowler, Billy (Ann) Hatcher, and Rebecca (Brad) Fly, as well as 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
The influence, and legacy of Mrs. Hatcher will live on through her former students, children, friends, caregivers, and grandchildren. She truly believed you can change the world, one child at a time.
Funeral service for Flavil Ragan Hatcher will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Rev. Allen Black and Rev. Kathy Bryson officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 11 AM until 2 PM on Sunday at Higgins. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Taylor Fly, Jordan Fly, Aaron Fly, Joseph Fowler, Grant Fowler, and Bond Hatcher, and honorary pallbearers will be Tim Ellis, Keith Ellis, Doug Watt, Bob Farrar, and Ron Perrin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Flavil R Hatcher Environmental Center Memorial Fund which will be used to place a memorial plaque at the site of the Environmental Center, and also for college scholarships for students from Lincoln County Donations may be sent to:
Flavil R Hatcher Environmental Center, Memorial Fund
C/0 – Lincoln County Bank
307 College Street East, Fayetteville TN 37334
or
The World Wildlife Federation @ worldwildlife.org
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Flavil Ragan Hatcher.
Flavil Hatcher was my favorite 5th grade biology teacher. My condolences to the family.
She was a wonderful lady and an inspiration to me. My deepest condolences to her family. Rest in peace Flavil.
She was truly love My friend My condolence go out to the family
Rebecca and family am sooo sorry for ya loss you know I love Mrs.Hatcher and your family soo much. She was the best teacher I ever had. Always nice and kind to mu mother and i. You will be in my prayers
You will be Very Missed, Miss Flavil!
Love & Prayers to Rebecca & Beth
Mrs Hatcher was an awesome Teacher. She will be missed. I learned so much from her. RIP Mother Nature. We students will remember you always.
While I do not have specific memories of Flavil, given we met in frenetic passing during family events of the late seventies. Flavil was the Mother-of-the-Bride at the time; my brother was about to marry her daughter, Beth. So, I met Flavil as she went about all the responsibilities of the moment(s). As I think back on those days now, I realize those brief moments made a discernible and lasting impression on me ~ of the un-flappable Southern grace and hospitality, of the easy style as moments were turned into memories for a daughter she so obviously loved dearly, and of the warm demeanor given to anyone and everyone around her. I remember thinking that Beth was very blessed to have a mom who made life look and feel so easy.
To Beth, Becca, Bea and Bill and the rest of Flavil’s Family ~ My heart is filled with the loss that you all share in this moment. Having walked in your shoes years ago, I can offer that it is very true that tears wil turn to smiles as sadness turns to happy memories. .. .and as you realize that your mom is no further away than your heart. Rejoice in the love she shared with you and hold fast to the strength she left as her legacy.
Rebecca, I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. Mrs. Hatcher was an amazing teacher. All of her former students were blessed to have had such a passionate teacher! You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
I have so many wonderful memories with Mrs. Hatcher. She was instrumental in my love of the Biological Sciences! She made learning easy and fun. God speed Mother Nature! We all love you.
Mrs Hatcher was one of the finest!! She was one of the best educators and had such a unique way to her teaching. She just drew you in and showed you her love for the earth and environment. Mrs Hatcher is one of those teachers we all loved. She will never be forgotten and this earth is a better place because of her. My sincere prayers to her family during this time of loss. She will be missed.
HIW do you share just ONE memory when you have HUNDREDS?!
Far too many to choose just ONE
But one of my favorites is her in my granddaughter ‘s Unicorn Hooded Blanket..what a fun filled day with her !
I also loved singing hymns with her !
I will FOREVER cherish that and her hand holds!!!!
She had a heart full of love for me and many others. She touched the very depths of my heart ,and I miss her so.
That carport was a place of peace for me with her , sitting there talking, singing and holding hands.
I will always love you Mamacita!
Sending condolences to the family of our beloved Mrs.Hatcher. I have so many fond memories of having her as a teacher. When I was at Ralph Askins I was so excited each year to go to the Environmental Center. Once I got to Jr.High working with it was even better. She left a great legacy. May God bless you all during this time. I will never forget Charlie(skeleton) and Matilda(preying mantis) that she kept in class. She was one of a kind.
So beautifully written and describes Mrs. Flavil perfectly. She was my teacher at Ralph Askins and still to this day, I remember her telling us that bacteria poops in our mouth overnight. Flash forward about 30 years, don’t think I have missed a brushing since! She definitely had a huge influence on me becoming a teacher…and for my love of nature and science! Visiting the Environmental Center was always a favorite of mine. Sweet memories with Mrs. Flavil! Prayers for family ❤️
Flavil was my daughter’s favorite teacher. All the children loved her because she was much more than a teacher. We had to build a log cabin for the Environmental Center at my daughter’s request and my children and grandchildren used it as a playhouse when it came home. She opened a new world to her students with the hands on learning she practiced. She will be missed by many and forgotten by nobody! We will pray for your family at this time of sorrow.
Momma, I love and cherish you forever. No other person poured out completr, unconditional love into my life like you did. Soon, we’ll be singing and playing piano again together with The Lord. Thank you, momma for giving me life, and for teaching me what life is about. It is about trusting God in all things, and loving those in my life. You will forever be in a gentle breeze, a cardinals song, the roar of ocean waves, each glimmer of a sunset. You were the wind beneath my wings
My momma.
Ms Hatcher was a great teacher and kind person
My love goes out to family
So sorry to hear of her passing. She was a good teacher and great person she will be missed