On Sunday, July 2, 2023, surrounded by those who loved her most, Loita Ernestine Martin Hathaway went to her heavenly home. Loita was born September 24, 1930, to Ernest and Maude Martin in Louann, AR. She grew up on Pine Island, near Vivian, LA. Loita was an only child and the apple of her parents’ eyes. Loita was always an exceptional student who graduated from Vivian HS at the age of 16. She enrolled in Northwestern Louisiana University in Natchitoches, LA where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in business.
On May 12, 1951, she married Lee Roy Hathaway. They were happily married for 69 years and raised two girls, Lorinda and Benita. They raised these girls with solid Christian values, thereby fostering an environment where their grandchildren and great-grandchildren would learn about God and loving one another. Loita expected her children to live lives that embodied Christian values on every front
Loita and Roy were always hospitable and opened their home to friends and family countless times over the years. They loved to travel and visited all 50 states and even Europe. Loita loved to play games like Yahtzee and 42 and watched TV game shows like Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right.
Loita was a teacher for 30 years. She was a founding member of the local Teacher Retired Teachers Association.
Loita is survived by her daughter Lorinda Clark and husband Ronnie of Queen City, TX, and her daughter Benita Williamson and husband Mike of Murfreesboro, AR. Her grandchildren, Laronda Graf and husband Corey of Queen City, TX, Heath Clark and wife Jaime of Bloomburg, TX, Jeric Griffin and wife Brittani of Lindale, TX, Braven Griffin and wife Sarah of Seattle, WA, Kristi Kirkwood and husband, Andy of Fouke, AR, Casie Fischer, and husband, Lynn, of Texarkana, TX, Jacob Williamson, and wife, Taylor of Nashville, AR. Great-grandchildren Ty, Boston, Cass, Jolie, Jacie, Justin, Allie, Jett, Myla, Jonathan, Kaden, Blakely, Cannon, Case, Cooper, Piper, and Parker and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Friday, July 7, 2023, in the Hanner Funeral Chapel, with Donny Cutchall and Ken Avaritt officiating.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Hanner Funeral Service.
Interment will be in Queen City Cemetery.