Christine Danette Hattaway

Christine Danette Hattaway, age 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud Nanny whose greatest joy was being surrounded by the people she loved. We are heartbroken by her passing, but grateful for the beautiful life we were blessed to share with her.

Danette was a faithful wife to her husband, James, for 47 years. Together, they built a life centered on family, serving Jesus, and loving others, touching countless lives along the way.

Danette was the standard-bearer of motherhood. She loved her children, Jamie and Amanda, deeply and faithfully supported them through every accomplishment, challenge, and milestone. She was incredibly proud of the people they became and the lives they chose to lead. She also loved their spouses Melissa and Matt as if they were her own children.

But nothing brought her greater happiness than being Nanny to her six grandchildren: Jacob, Carson, Luke, Emma Kate, Brayden, and Brooklyn. They were among the greatest joys of her life. She poured her love, wisdom, prayers, and guidance into each of them, leaving an imprint on their hearts that will last a lifetime.

Danette lived a life centered on serving others. She never considered any act of service beneath her. She served many years as a nurse and later opened her own cleaning service. Whether she was caring for a patient, helping a friend, or simply sitting beside someone who needed comfort, she had a heart for others.

Danette loved to cook—and when she cooked, she cooked enough to feed an army. Her table always had room for one more. If she learned someone would be alone for a holiday meal, she would make them a plate and send James to deliver it. That was simply who she was: she saw a need and did what she could to meet it.

Her love for the Lord was woven into her daily life. Many nights, she could be heard on the phone reading devotionals and sharing the Word of God with her grandchildren, helping them build a foundation of faith that will remain with them throughout their lives.

The outpouring of family, friends, and colleagues who gathered to pray, visit, and surround her during her final days is a testament to how deeply Danette was loved and how many lives she touched.

Danette leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy of faith, family, compassion, and service. Her life showed us what it means to love fiercely, serve humbly, and remain faithful through every season.

While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that the faith she lived so boldly has now become sight. The woman who spent her life pointing others toward Jesus is now in the presence of the Savior she loved so dearly.

Danette is survived by her husband, James Hattaway of Elba; her two children, Jamie Hattaway (Melissa) of Ozark, Alabama, and Amanda Dobbs (Matt) of Elba, Alabama; her precious grandchildren, Jacob, Carson, Luke, Emma Kate, Brayden, and Brooklyn; and her sister, Anita Casteel (Bill) of Enterprise, Alabama.

Service Information

Visitation: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM, Hayes Funeral Home, Elba, Alabama

Officiants: Rev. Jimmy Eddins, Sister Gert Riley, and Rev. Allen Richard

Graveside Service: Immediately following, conducted by Rev. Nathan Johnson

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23, KJV

We love you, Danette.

We love you, Mom.

We love you, Nanny.

Your love, your prayers, and your example will remain with us forever.

Until we see you again