Hattie French, 89, of Fieldale, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, after a brief illness.
Hattie will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Many in the community will remember her as “Mama French” from the Space Odyssey Game Room, which she operated with her husband, Melvin French, and son, Brian French.
Hattie was born in Dillons Fork in 1936. She attended Drewry Mason High School, where she was a star player and co-captain of the women’s basketball team. She was a member of the first graduating class of Drewry Mason in 1953. Hattie remained close with many of her classmates and helped organize numerous reunions over the years, the last being their 66th reunion in 2019. She attended West Virginia University before returning home to marry the love of her life, Melvin, in 1957.
Hattie worked for DuPont for 31 years before retiring. She then worked for her husband at State Electronics. Hattie and Melvin fully retired in 2000. She enjoyed her well-earned retirement by visiting family and friends, gardening, and spending time at Smith Mountain Lake. As Hattie said, “I have had a great life!”
Hattie’s greatest pride and joy was her family. Her fierce independence, wonderful sense of humor, and unconditional love will live on with them. She is survived by her daughter, Lori Bailey of Wesley Chapel, NC; son Brian French of Portland, Oregon; beloved granddaughter Caroline Bailey of Durham, NC; niece Teresa Griffith, and nephew Bruce Fulcher. Hattie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Melvin French, her parents Mr. and Mrs. Vance Fulcher, Sr., her brother Vance Fulcher, her sister Mary Page Jackson, nephew Duane Fulcher, and son-in-law Bob Bailey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 3, at 3:00PM, at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home Bassett, 30 Riverside Drive, Bassett, VA 24055. There will be a gathering immediately following the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints across the street from funeral home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors or SPCA of Martinsville and Henry County.
