Darthy Sue Strother of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama passed away on April 14 at her home. Darthy Sue was born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 4, 1942 to Fred and Eva Strother. She grew up in Westover, Alabama and graduated from Vincent High School, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Jacksonville State University, and a Master’s Degree from the University of Montevallo.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Patricia Strother Arledge. She is survived by her sons Alan Hatcher of Nashville, Tennessee and Brian Hatcher(Pamela) of Auburn, Alabama. Four grandchildren: Victoria Dowdy, Elizabeth Hatcher, Garrison Hatcher, and Jack Hatcher (and his mom Marissa). Two great-grandsons: Leonardo Dowdy and Alexander Dowdy. She is also survived by her niece Melody (Scott) Byrne and nephew Sam (Marcella) Arledge, their children, and numerous cousins as both of her parents came from large families. She was also very fond of Angel DeSoto of Mexico and Fernando Dobles of Costa Rica who lived with her as exchange students and she considered them both her “bonus sons”.
Darthy Sue was a long-time member of several churches in Shelby County, Alabama, including Mt. Tabor in Westover, Mt. Signal in Chelsea, and First Baptist Church in Columbiana. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ and played at many churches over the years for revivals, special gospel singing events, and weddings. She also traveled extensively on missions trips, including trips to Africa and South America.
She retired from the Shelby County School system after teaching for over 40 years, including at Vincent Elementary School and Elvin Hill Elementary school. In 1998 she was selected and commended by the Alabama State Board of Education as the Elementary Teacher of the Year for District VI.
Above all she loved and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spoiled them rotten, just as her own parents spoiled their own grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date and her ashes will be interred next to her parents and sister at Mt. Tabor Methodist Cemetery in Westover, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Columbiana Missions Funds www.fbccol.net
