Thelma Simpson Hatchett, native of Greensboro, NC was born to the late Daniel and Rosa Guy Simpson.

Thelma attended St. Mary's Catholic School, Dudley High School, and received a BA degree from Bennett College with a major in history and sociology and a Master of Arts degree from New York University in reading and supervision.

During her tenure in college, she did community service as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Neighborhood and Voter Registration Organizer.  She participated in the desegregation of movie theaters in downtown Greensboro and took an active role in the Sit in Movement in 1960-1961.  She moved to New York, NY in 1961.

She was employed in the New York City Schools where she worked as a teacher and as an assistant administrator of paraprofessionals.  She was appointed lecturer at Hunter College, New York City Board of Higher Education, and served as reading coordinator of the S.E.E.K. program at Hunter College.  She also held the position of adjunct lecturer at Bronx Community College in Bronx, NY.

In 1976, Thelma returned to Greensboro, NC and was employed by the Guilford County School System.  She served on the Greensboro Redevelopment Commission, Guilford County Schools Redistricting Committee and Benbow Park Neighborhood Association.  She was a member of the Democratic Women, Precinct Committee, NAACP, The Dudley Alumni Association, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at Saint Mary's Church, and the Golden Jewels at Hayes Taylor YMCA.

Through the years as an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Thelma participated with the R.S.V.P., Parish Council Member and chairperson.  She also was involved with fund raising, Black History, 75 ^th Year Celebration, Bereavement Committee, National Black Catholic Congress in Buffalo, NY and Indianapolis, IN.

She was a lecturer, communion minister, choir member, van driver and gardener.

She leaves to cherish precious memories sons, Dr. J. Franklin Hatchett (Dana) and Rev. Frederic Hatchett (Jarrette); grandchildren, Terence and Lauren; stepchildren, Terrod, Seaman Lamar (Kendra), and Terrance; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service with the family is 3:00 pm Saturday December 04, 2021 in Saint Mary's Catholic Church 812 Duke Street, Greensboro, NC.  Livestreaming of the service is available.  Hargett Funeral Service is assisting the family.