Kerri L. Hatcher

Kerri Letrece Hatcher was born on June 20, 1973, in Kansas City, Missouri, the beloved daughter of the late Mr. John Lee Hatcher and Mrs. Sarah F. (Coleman) Hatcher. The youngest of four siblings, Kerri passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

A Life of Learning and Service

A gifted student from a young age, Kerri’s academic journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, where she attended Whitney Young as a participant in the gifted program. Her family later moved to the west side of Cleveland and eventually settled in Berea, Ohio. During her years in the Berea school system, Kerri was an active and vibrant student. She was a dedicated member of the girls’ track team and shared her musical talents playing the flute in the Berea High School Band.

Following her graduation from Berea High in 1990, Kerri moved to Brookline, Massachusetts, to pursue her passion for education. She was a lifelong student with a deep thirst for knowledge, attending several prestigious institutions including Bunker Hill Community College, Quincy College where she studied Business Administration, and Northeastern University as an English major. Her creative interests led her to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design for Fashion Design, as well as Fisher College. Most recently, she continued her intellectual pursuits through online studies and classes at Harvard University.

Professionally, Kerri was a diligent and committed employee. From 2006 to 2009, she worked for Aetna Insurance Co. in Student Health. Throughout her career in Massachusetts, she held positions at various other business firms and insurance companies, often balancing full-time employment with her part-time college studies.

Faith and Family

Kerri’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. In 1994, following the passing of her father, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She lived her life as a devoted child of our Heavenly Father—a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her father, Mr. John L. Hatcher; her maternal grandparents, Mr. Norman Coleman and Mrs. Naomi (Hillman) Coleman; and her paternal grandparents, Mr. Jesse and Mrs. Cecelia Hatcher. She also joins in eternal rest her uncles, James Hatcher (her father’s twin), Howard Hatcher, Jesse Hatcher Jr., Norman E. Coleman, and James William Coleman; her aunts, Marjorie (Hatcher) Adams, Burt Hatcher, Millie Hatcher, and Norris G. (Coleman) Kendall; and her niece, Jerne’ Clark.

Those Who Cherish Her Memory

Kerri leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by her devoted mother, Mrs. Sarah F. (Coleman) Hatcher; her sister, Mrs. Sherrie Gilmore (Otis Swindler); and her brothers, Mr. Terry Hatcher and Mr. Gerry Hatcher. She is also survived by her niece, Miss Jessica Hatcher; her “niece in love,” Allayah Swindler; and her beloved nieces and nephews: Mrs. Akela (Gilmore) Baldwin (Adam), Ariel (Clark) Perry, Jarrell Gilmore, and Keyon Gilmore. She leaves behind her aunt, Carolyn B. (Coleman) Ellis; her dear cousin and lifelong friend, Alden P. Ellis Jr. (Denise); and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended relatives, and dear associates.