Phyllis Dean Hatten

“I shall pass through this way but once. If there is any good I can do for anyone, let me do it now.”Phyllis Gloria Dean, the sixteenth of eighteen children born to the late Walter and Ethel Keene Dean, was born on December 2, 1928. Phyllis received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System. She was raised in East Baltimore and was spiritually guided by her parents. Her Christian journey began at a very early age at the People’s Christian Church, now Memorial Baptist Church. She faithfully served as an Usher for many years until illness prevented her from being active. She loved her pastor and her church family. Phyllis often visited the New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she was considered an honorary member. Phyllis met and married the late William Hatten Sr. Together they raised their five children and helped raise two nieces and a nephew, Lorraine, Ronald and Rona. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family was her favorite topic of conversation. She tolerated no nonsense from anyone-quick to chastise, defend and reward when she thought it necessary. She worked at Johns Hopkins ( in her yellow uniform) for more than twenty years. During the holidays, you could find her travelling throughout the hospital dressed as Mrs. Santa or some other holiday character. In her neighborhood, she would harass the children to keep the streets and alleys clean. She provided care for her elderly neighbors and she loved children. On April 30,2002, she made the transition from this earthly life to Life Everlastin. To celebrate her victory in Christ are: her children, Gwenda, Angela, William and Linda, Vanessa and Eugene; her grandchildren, Craig, Kim, Michael, Johnny, De Lisa, Amon, Ahmid, Malik, Kamau, Kalonji, Duane and Girard; twelve great grandchildren, two granddaughters-in-law and grandson-son-in-law; two sisters, Iona D. Watson and Yvonne D. Harvey; a "special" former son-in-law, Harold L. Dobson; three brothers-in-law, six sisters-in-law; her very special niece, Soraya, who would travel down I-95 to provide personal, loving care to her Aunt Phyllis. Also left with many fond memories are several nieces, nephews, two godchildren, Anthony Player and Denise Thompson-Alston; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Phyllis Dean Hatten

December 2, 1928 - April 30, 2002