Hattie Marie Bratcher, 83, beloved and faithful missionary wife of Brother Harold Bratcher, passed from this life into the Presence of her Lord and Savior in Manaus, Brasil, on February 4^th at 10:39 P.M.  She had been hospitalized for the four weeks previous to her death.

She was born in Madison County, Kentucky, a daughter of Sherman and Flossie Moore.  As a young girl, she started attending a newly-organized Baptist Church in the community of Newby.  It was there, on a Sunday morning, that she heard Harold Bratcher, a young preacher from Georgetown College, preach his first sermon at the church.  She was one of eleven persons in attendance that Sunday morning.

God, in His Providence, brought Harold and Marie together, and in 1955 they were untied in marriage at Newby Baptist Church by Brother Clarence Walker.  For the next few years, Brother Bratcher pastored at Newby, then went into full-time evangelism.  Next he taught at Lexington Baptist College.

When Brother Bratcher announced that he felt called by God to go to Brazil as a missionary, Marie was not “sold” on the idea.  But before they married, she promised to go with him wherever he felt led of the Lord to go.  So they went to Brazil, arriving in 1955 along with their young son, Asa Mark.  For the next 52 years she labored with Brother Bratcher in the great Amazon Valley of Brazil where they led many people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  They were also used by the Lord to organize several Baptist churches.  When they would come to the States on furlough she often traveled with him visiting supporting churches and reporting on the Lord’s works in Brazil.  She always had a big smile for those she met and was beloved by all for her sweet spirit.  She and Brother Bratcher were inseparable in their life and service for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons and their wives, two granddaughters, one grandson, and one sister, Dean Cruse of Richmond, Kentucky.  She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Joel, and one brother.

Memorial services were conducted in Manaus, Brazil, on Sunday, February 7^th.  Her body rests in the Saint John the Baptist Cemetery with that of young Joel’s awaiting the day when the Lord returns with a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God.  Then all of the dead in Christ will be raised and we will forever be with the Lord.

Memorial offerings can be sent to Baptist Faith Missions, c/o George Sledd, P.O. Box 47180, Lake Monroe FL 32747-1280.  Please indicate if you want your MEMORIAL GIFT to go toward the General Fund, or if you want it to be a special gift for Brother Bratcher.