Rezzie Earline Hovater, age 97, of Tuscumbia, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025. Born on June 8, 1928, in Tuscumbia, Earline was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.
Earline began her career working for Big K before it was acquired by Walmart, where she worked in the fabric department for 30+ years until her retirement. In her lifetime, she not only showed dedication to her job but also a deep love for her family, church, and community.
A gifted seamstress and crafter, Earline created hundreds of quilts, blankets, afghans, and many other handmade treasures over the years. She was skilled in knitting and crocheting, always creating beautiful gifts for those around her. After retiring, Earline continued to serve others through her volunteer work at Helen Keller Hospital, where she dedicated countless hours. Her kindness and generosity were recognized when she was named Volunteer of the Year in 1998.
Earline was a faithful member of Tuscumbia Church of Christ, a community that embraced her for many years. Throughout her life, her quiet faith and loving spirit touched everyone she met.
Earline was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Raymond Hovater, and their sons Tim Hovater and Mackie Hovater. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Thad E. Mills and Hattie B. Mills; her siblings: Bobby Mills, Ivy Johnson, Reba Lindsey, and Dewey Mills; her son-in-law Wayne Thompson; great-grandson David Reid Jr., and her granddaughter’s spouse, David Reid.
Earline is survived by her daughter Pat Thompson; her grandchildren: Kim Reid, Amy Patterson (Chris), and Melissa Whitney (David), and great-granddaughter Madelyn Patterson. She is also survived by her son’s wife, Susan Hovater.
We are deeply grateful to the wonderful staff at Keller Landing and The Neighborhood at Sheffield for their kindness, compassion, and gentle care. Their support brought comfort not only to Earline, but to our whole family, and we’ll never forget the warmth and dignity with which they cared for her.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
