Hattie Elizabeth Anderson

Mother/Missionary Hattie Elizabeth Anderson 90 of Hamden, Connecticut, affectionately known as Nana to all that knew and loved her, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, June 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was a faithful member of Spirit of the Lord Tabernacle Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Hattie was born on December 2, 1935, to the late Mary Elizabeth Chesson and Alphonso Bee Moore. There were 11 children and out of the 11 children Hattie was number 3. Hattie attended school in Edenton, North Carolina. She left Edenton, North Carolina at the age of 16 and made her way to New Haven, Connecticut. She worked at Seamless Rubber on Hallock Avenue in New Haven, where she met and married the late Melvyn Williams. That union produced 4 children: Melvyn Jr., Toni, Phillip, and Kathy. She worked as a CNA at the hospital of St. Raphael for many years until she began her missionary work. Hattie worked with the HIV/AIDs service and the Free Forever Prison Ministry, opening her home to provide shelter and other services to men & women being released from prison, affording them the opportunity to be successful as they moved on in life. She would drive around the city every day in her red van, park in various New Haven neighborhoods, and pass out food to anyone in need – no questions asked, which included whole turkeys and bags of groceries for families in need during Thanksgiving as well. She had shelves built in her basement and set up a food pantry. Her pantry was open to anyone in need, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition to passing out food, she distributed Starter jackets, and goods from Entenmann’s Bakery. She provided transportation for children, brought them home with her, fed them, taught them about the Lord, and eventually formed The International Youth Missionary Choir. Countless children throughout the city participated in this choir and they would travel to Churches, singing for the Lord. The Church of Woodbridge was instrumental in helping Hattie carry out her Missionary Work. They sent a monthly monetary donation, in addition to providing Christmas gifts every year for every child. For Christmas, Hattie and her children wrapped hundreds of toys and made gift bags for families, including bikes. Hattie was recognized in the New Haven Register and presented with an award for her service to the community. Hattie leaves to cherish her memory: children; Melvyn Jr. Connecticut, Toni Brown (Steve) Florida, Philip Williams (Elaine) Connecticut, Kathy Dockery (Chester Sr.) Virginia, Annette Moore & Jeanette Johnson Connecticut – who also served faithfully as her caregivers until she took her last breath, Aaron Anderson, Tatiana Rodriguez both of Connecticut. Her brothers and sisters: Dorothy Hood (Maryland), Ernest Simpson (Patricia) (Maryland), Wallace Simpson (Pennsylvania), Lawrence Simpson (Elaine) (Pennsylvania), Bobby Lee Simpson (Valerie) and Andrew Lee Simpson (Connecticut), and Linda Simpson (Georgia). She also leaves behind a host of Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren, along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, special friend - Olivia McClam, God Daughters Keisha Moore, and Maureen Blango. Hattie is predeceased by her parents, Mary Elizabeth Chesson and Alphonso Bee Moore; Sisters: Blanche Peterson and Annie Simpson-Parham; Brothers: Alphonso and Theodore Moore. Special Thanks to Accent Care Hospice Services, her Grand Daughter Kimberly Williams - who frequently assisted feeding her meals, Omni and Patrick Mantey, Patricia Ewing, APRN Aleshia Stahl, along with The Whitney Rehabilitation Care Center Staff ~ who provided excellent care.

Hattie Elizabeth Anderson

December 2, 1935 - June 7, 2026