Virginia “Jeannie” Hattenbach, 77, of Houston, Texas passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Houston, Texas on June 12, 1946, to parents Jessie Lee & Elenor Boatman.
Jeannie was raised in Houston, but for a time in her young life she was living in Nacogdoches, close to her other family members. She often spoke about the good times she had when she lived there. The family would eventually return to Houston, where Jeannie would attend Burbank Middle School & Sam Houston High School. A few years after high school Jeannie would go to work for a photo printing store, it was here that she met Charles Hattenbach, after dating for 6 months they were engaged and were married on May 4, 1968, in Houston, Texas. In August 1969 their first child, Tonya was born, and 2 ½ years later Jeff was born in February 1972. Jeannie and Charles would raise their family and often work together, she would go along with Charles while he was making parcel deliveries. They enjoyed going to the movies, fishing, crabbing with the family and going dancing at Dance Town.
Although they entered the marriage with the best of intentions, it was less permanent than they expected, and they divorced in 1981. Jeannie would dedicate her time to her children, raising them and making the best life for them as a single parent. Jeannie would go on to earn her GED, start her own business and was a co-partner in a wedding planning business with her sisters.
Jeannie was also an avid reader; it was not uncommon for her to read a book in a day or two. She even had her own library of romance novels; she was never without a book. Jeannie also loved music, she loved classic country, pop, disco, and even some rock music. She was also a huge fan of Elvis Presley; she was overjoyed that she was able to attend one of Elvis’ concerts here in the Astrodome.
Jeannie was a wonderful mother who was always there when her family needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. She had a very special bond with Tonya & Jeff and would speak to them almost daily. Her life revolved around her family, she loved getting together for holidays, birthday parties or just going out to dinner on Friday nights. She was a loving grandmother to Brandy and Jeri. She loved them so much and they would spend a lot of time together. She loved showing them how to cook certain foods the family loved or going out to the thrift stores and dollar stores. She had a very special relationship with all her children and grandchildren, and she treasured the time she spent with them.
She is preceded in death by her parents Jessie Lee & Elenor Boatman, sister Elaine Joy Boatman, and nephew Damon Boatman. She leaves behind to cherish her memory is her daughter, Tonya & husband Jimmy Steagall, son, Jeff & wife Melanie Hattenbach. Her beloved grandchildren Brandy & Jeri Steagall, sister Gwen Thomasson, brother Charles Lee & wife Beverly Boatman, and brother-in-law Kenneth Polnick. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and several great and great, great nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
A visitation for Virginia will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM, in the Magnolia Chapel with interment to follow at Brookside Memorial Park.
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