Hathorn, George's Obituary
With heavy hearts and gratitude, we celebrate the Life of George W. Hathorn Jr., who was called home on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
George was born in Prentiss Mississippi to George L. and Willie B. Hathorn, both parents preceded him in death along with three sisters, Lillie Williams, Dorothy Williams, Sarah Hathorn and one brother Willie Hathorn, his son Joe Glen Hathorn, his first wife Lillie Hathorn and recently his ex-wife, Theresa Bryson.
George accepted Christ at an early age. He grew up on his parents’ farm. He attended Progress School and Prentiss Institute in Prentiss Mississippi. In 1959, George married his first wife Lillie B. Gholar and with this union, four children were born. In 1962, George moved his family to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to find better job opportunities to support his growing family. George worked for the City of Gulfport, where he got his first training as a carpenter and an electrician. He met his first mentor whom he called “Cutten Jannie” he taught George how to build a home from the ground up. He later built his parents a new home. George desired more freedom and independence to be his own boss and decided to move to California, which ended his first marriage.
In 1972 George moved to Oakland, California. He started to work odd jobs in the construction field. Then he met several mentors “Mr. McCurdy.” and “Mr. Andrew Thompson” Mr. Thompson was gracious enough to assist and advocate for George to become a licensed electrician and he was forever grateful to them both, and as a result, he became the sole proprietor of “Hathorn Electric Company, LLC.
George really enjoyed living in California. In 1972, he joined the Berkeley Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. M.T. Thompson, but currently it’s under Pastor Brian D. Hunter. In 1974, he became a member of the Corvette Club of Oakland, California, called “Vettes of Distinction,” which he really enjoyed. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling, and cruising with family and friends.
In 1976, married his second wife, Theresa Penny, and with this union a son was born. After 25 years of marriage, George and Theresa divorced. However, George continued to work hard, travel and enjoy life until his auto accident that caused serious internal health issues. Although throughout his illness, he maintained an attitude of gratitude, a legacy of faith and trusting in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
George is survived by sisters, Mattie McFall, Shirley Davis, Mary Hathorn, Ira Amos and brother Joe Hathorn. He also leaves to cherish special memories of his children, Annette Hathorn, Jerry L. Hathorn, Linda J. Hathorn, George Hathorn III, Samuel Brown and Darrelle Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, in-laws and friends.
To the special woman in George’s life, thank you for loving him and supporting him throughout his journey. Your generosity and kindness were very much appreciated.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?

