- Date Of Birth: September 14, 1943
- Date Of Death: October 1, 2017
- State: Alabama
Essie Ree Rigney Hulett, age 74, of Semmes, AL, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Born September 14, 1943, in Wayne County, Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late Reverend W. B. Rigney and Lou Betty Mills Rigney.
She is survived by her husband, Wilburn James Hulett; her stepchildren, Todd and Terri Hulett, and granddaughter Shelby Hulett; one brother, Reverend Ted (Nelda) Rigney; one sister, Dorcas (Jimmy) Howard; many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her son, Jerry Wayne Gatwood; 2 brothers, Bunyan Aaron Rigney and Lon Rigney; and 3 sisters, Lou McDonald, Betty Kelly, and Eula Smith.
The celebration of her life will be conducted at 2:00 P.M.
Essie came from a musical family with deep roots in the Church of God ministry. She loved singing with The Rigney Family Trio, and served as the choir director of the Lott Road Church of God for several years.
She was a devoted mother to her son, Wayne. She began work at the City of Mobile Police Department in 1983, receiving Employee of the Year in 1994. She retired in June 2010, after 27 years of faithful service.
She enjoyed gardening, traveling, putting puzzles together, and playing board games with friends. She was a fierce competitor, whether she was involved in a softball or volleyball game, or a “friendly” game of Dominoes. She was one lady who hated to lose at anything!
The family would like to thank Terri Hulett & Doug Sharpe, Susan Von Sprecken, Right At Home In-Home Care and Assistance, and Kindred Hospice for their excellent care of Essie. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends who have been a special part of her life.
