[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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