Mary Lucille (Lucy) Heck Hatcher, 83, formerly of Nanjemoy, MD went to be with her heavenly father on July 29, 2011 in Lynchburg, VA. She was born in Dryden, Virginia on April 24, 1928, a daughter of a Virginia coal miner the late Charlie Marion and Cordie Mae Johnston Heck.

A practicing Christian, Lucille was employed for over 40 years in a variety of positions including a telephone operator, book keeper at the A&P Tea Company Grocery, dress buyer for Vogue Fashions, and worker with disabled children at Melwood. A devoted homemaker, her values were rooted in the belief that God came first, her family second, and a strong sense of community third. An avid gardener, she took pride in cooking and canning what she grew. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, craft making, bird watching, traveling, and spending time with her family. She served as the travel coordinator for the Indian Head Senior Center.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, James Franklin Hatcher; two daughters, Oeida Mae Hatcher of Lynchburg, VA, and Mary Lawanna Ruston and her husband Ben of Devine, Texas; 40 foster children including Geraldine May Sink of Lynchburg, VA; Nancy L. Hancock of Nanjemoy, MD; Shirley Bladen of Bowie, MD; Janet Leigh, of California; Mary Smith of Waldorf, MD; and JoAnne McDonald of North Carolina; a brother, Thomas Quincy Heck of Daytona, Florida; a sister, Helen Webster of Roanoke, VA; eight grandchildren, Marcie Main, Frankie Almy, LaWana Foster, Holly Good, April Davis, Andy Hancock, Ann Hancock, and Mitzi Bladen as well as seventeen great grand children.

The Funeral Service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2011 at Nanjemoy Baptist Church (Nanjemoy, MD) with the Dr. Herbert Fitzpatrick officiating. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2011 at Nanjemoy Baptist Church.

Arrangements were made by Arehart Echols Funeral Home, La Plata, MD and Heritage Funeral Service in Lynchburg, VA.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider Melwood, 5606 Dower House Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland or Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 22712 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502.