[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E665]
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

                         Thursday, July 9, 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; and on a 
personal note, I have fond memories of gathering with family and 
friends at Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot. 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 shine 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 so 
many families, 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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