Mrs. Hattie J. Sowells 79 of Dillon, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 8,, 2014 in the McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina after an extended illness. Funeral service will be Sunday, April 13, 2014 at St. Matthew AME Church in Hamer, South Carolina at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Rev. Johnnie O. Coe will deliver the words of comfort.

The family will receive friends at 305 East Dargan Street in Dillon, South Carolina.

2 Timothy 4
"The time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Hattie Jane Sowells (Bap) , was born on October 21, 1934 in Hamer, South Carolina to the late Kaite McLellan and the late Vernie Wells. She departed this life on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina.

Hattie attended the Dillon County Public Schools and graduated from Gordon High School in 1965. She was employed by Dillon County as a Teacher's Aide. She also worked at Mullins Leaf,  South of the Border, Craftex, Baronet and Moody's Washerette.

Family Life

She joined St. Matthew A.M.E. Church at an early age, where she served faithfully until her health failed. She was the first Senior Choir Director (39 years), the first Mass Choir Director, a member of the Trustee Board, Missionary Society, Stewardess, Pastor's Aide and Class Leader.

Hattie was a member of Holiday Chapter #338 for 44 years, Ovella Tent #71 for 40 years, Vice President of the Willing Workers, Mutual Aide Society and Peoples Benevolent Society #142 for 40 years.

Hattie was married to the late Robert Lee Sowells, Sr. and to this union eleven children were born. Two children Ruby Lee and Karen Ann Sowells preceded her in death. One sister Etta Mae Wells and one brother Bryan Michaux McLellan also preceded he in death.

Hattie leaves to cherish loving memories, nine children: Revered Thelma Mack, Dillon, South Carolina; Robert Lee (Rosetta) Sowells, Jr. of Austin, Texas; Hattie (Labon) Bolar of Pensacola, Florida; James Sowells, Kathy Sowell, both of Dillon, South Carolina; Brenda (Levon) Alls of Atlanta Georgia; Eric (Darlene) Sowells, Keith Sowells, Brian (Andria) Sowells all of Dillon, South Carolina; eighteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one loving sister Louise Lighty of Dillon, South Carolina; one sister-n-law Lula Mae Sowells of Raeford, North Carolina; two aunts: Ruth Pittman of Hoboken, New Jersey and Bessie McRae of Fairmont, North Carolina; a special friend Johnnie Lee Alford of Dillon, South Carolina, two step daughters; Mary Mack and Shannon Blount, and a hose of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.