Hattie Ruth Toomer was born on January 3, 1953 and was the daughter of the late Madjia and late Ruby Mae Britt Toomer. After an extensive illness, God reached out his hands and received her into eternal rest on April 21, 2009.

Hattie was formally educated by Dorchester County public schools and graduated from Williams Memorial High School in 1970. Over the years, she advanced her education by attending Akron University, Shaw University, University of Washington, D.C. and South Carolina State University.

Upon moving to New York, Hattie began working at Lerners-New York, Corporate office and remained with them for seventeen years until relocating to Washington, D.C. in 1988. In 1992, Hattie moved back to South Carolina and obtained a job with the Dorchester County Department of Social Services as an administrative assistant until the onset of her illness.

Hattie embraced Christianity at an early age and joined St. Mark Baptist Church in the Texas Community of St. George, South Carolina. She served and provided assistance to her church and community always with a cheerful heart.

Hattie loved to spend time with her family, especially during traditional family gatherings. She passionately loved her heritage. You could count on her to research the family history and make the connection with distant relatives. She was a very special person and brought much joy and laughter to the people whom she encountered.


Hattie's joyous life will be remembered by her loving daughter, Eltirese Toomer of Goose Creek, SC; four sisters, Mattie Wolfe, Lynette (Mike) Britt both of St. George, SC, Iris (Yomi) Soyebo of Summerville, SC, and Angelia (James) Owens of Greer, SC; five brothers, Carl(Rhudene) Toomer, Perry Toomer both of Columbia, SC, Joseph (Tina) Toomer of St. George, SC, Andrew Toomer of the home, and Donald Toomer of Charlotte, NC; eight aunts, Myzine Guess of Vance, SC, Fannie Kearney, Annie L. Britt, Addie Britt, Edith McComick and Ruth Hayes all of St. George, SC, Preto Hayes of Cleveland, OH, and Betty Bey of Atlanta, Ga.; two uncles, Luda Hayes of Cleveland, OH and Melvin Kearney of St. George, SC; a special friend, Willie C Brown; a dear niece, Wanda Wolfe; a host of other nieces and nephews.