Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-13

HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LULA HATCHER

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Context

On 2026-07-13, Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LULA HATCHER" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LULA HATCHER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E676] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LULA HATCHER ______ HON. TERRI A. SEWELL of alabama in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mrs. Lula Hatcher, who passed away on July 3, 2026, at the age of 93. Mrs. Hatcher was born on December 17, 1932, in Selma, Alabama, to the late Mr. Will, Sr. and Mrs. Lannie Travis. Mrs. Hatcher was a respected entrepreneur, community leader, and lifelong resident of Selma, Alabama. Best known as the owner and matriarch of Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot, she dedicated her life to preserving one of Alabama's most celebrated family-owned restaurants while serving her community with faith, generosity, and southern hospitality. When she was just 12 years old, her mother, Lannie Travis, opened Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot on Minter Avenue. From its humble beginnings, the restaurant grew into a local institution for its authentic barbecue, warm atmosphere, and commitment to treating every customer like family. Under Mrs. Hatcher's leadership, in 2025 the restaurant was named one of USA Today's Restaurants of the Year, being the only Alabama restaurant to earn the distinction that year. Beyond her accomplishments in business, Mrs. Hatcher was admired for her unwavering Christian faith, compassionate spirit, and commitment to the people of Selma, Alabama, where she served as a mentor and role model and encouraged others to pursue their dreams while remaining grounded in faith and service. Perhaps her greatest legacy is the example she set--an example of tradition rooted in love, perseverance, and excellence. Mrs. Lula Hatcher is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mr. Will, Sr. and Mrs. Lannie Travis; her husband, Charlie Hatcher, Sr.; and her daughter, Carolyn Hickman (Phillip). She is survived by her loving family, including her seven children; her nineteen grandchildren; her twenty-five great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors, and friends. On a personal note, I have fond memories of enjoying Lannie's Bar-B-Q from a very young age. I cannot remember a single Sewell family gathering that was not catered by Lannie's, and whenever my aunts and uncles came to visit Selma, they never left without coolers packed with its famous barbecue to take home. Mrs. Lula Hatcher and her family created more than a beloved restaurant--they built a place where everyone felt welcome and the spirit of our community shined through. Her warmth, faith, and dedication to preserving her family's legacy made Lannie's a Selma institution and a source of pride for us all. I will always be grateful for the joy and fellowship she brought to our family, and I know her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were shaped by her compassion and hospitality. May they find comfort in knowing that her legacy endures--in the delicious food she served, in the shining example she set, and in the countless lives she touched. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Mrs. Lula Hatcher for her culinary contributions to the City of Selma, the State of Alabama, and our Nation. ____________________

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HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LULA HATCHER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E676] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LULA HATCHER ______ HON. TERRI A. SEWELL of alabama in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mrs. Lula Hatcher, who passed away on July 3, 2026, at the age of 93. Mrs. Hatcher was born on December 17, 1932, in Selma, Alabama, to the late Mr. Will, Sr. and Mrs. Lannie Travis. Mrs. Hatcher was a respected entrepreneur, community leader, and lifelong resident of Selma, Alabama. Best known as the owner and matriarch of Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot, she dedicated her life to preserving one of Alabama's most celebrated family-owned restaurants while serving her community with faith, generosity, and southern hospitality. When she was just 12 years old, her mother, Lannie Travis, opened Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot on Minter Avenue. From its humble beginnings, the restaurant grew into a local institution for its authentic barbecue, warm atmosphere, and commitment to treating every customer like family. Under Mrs. Hatcher's leadership, in 2025 the restaurant was named one of USA Today's Restaurants of the Year, being the only Alabama restaurant to earn the distinction that year. Beyond her accomplishments in business, Mrs. Hatcher was admired for her unwavering Christian faith, compassionate spirit, and commitment to the people of Selma, Alabama, where she served as a mentor and role model and encouraged others to pursue their dreams while remaining grounded in faith and service. Perhaps her greatest legacy is the example she set--an example of tradition rooted in love, perseverance, and excellence. Mrs. Lula Hatcher is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mr. Will, Sr. and Mrs. Lannie Travis; her husband, Charlie Hatcher, Sr.; and her daughter, Carolyn Hickman (Phillip). She is survived by her loving family, including her seven children; her nineteen grandchildren; her twenty-five great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors, and friends. On a personal note, I have fond memories of enjoying Lannie's Bar-B-Q from a very young age. I cannot remember a single Sewell family gathering that was not catered by Lannie's, and whenever my aunts and uncles came to visit Selma, they never left without coolers packed with its famous barbecue to take home. Mrs. Lula Hatcher and her family created more than a beloved restaurant--they built a place where everyone felt welcome and the spirit of our community shined through. Her warmth, faith, and dedication to preserving her family's legacy made Lannie's a Selma institution and a source of pride for us all. I will always be grateful for the joy and fellowship she brought to our family, and I know her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were shaped by her compassion and hospitality. May they find comfort in knowing that her legacy endures--in the delicious food she served, in the shining example she set, and in the countless lives she touched. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Mrs. Lula Hatcher for her culinary contributions to the City of Selma, the State of Alabama, and our Nation. ____________________