Margie Lee Moore Hiatt

Margie Lee Moore Hiatt, 83, of Charleston, Arkansas died on February 19, 2015 at home. She was born in Charleston on September 15, 1931 to Clint M. Moore and Cornealia Burchfield Moore. In 1950, she began her career in banking at American State Bank of Charleston. She soon wed Joe S. Hiatt and began their 62 year marriage. They established their home and, a few years later, started their family. After her husband, Joe, made a career change, leaving First National Bank of Fort Smith to take a position at American State Bank, they became partners in business as well as marriage. During their careers, they continued to invest in their future and, eventually, became majority shareholders of American Bancshares of Arkansas. In 1979-80, Margie served as the "First Lady" of the Arkansas Bankers Association during which time Joe served as President. Upon her retirement in 1998, she was the Vice President and Auditor of American State Bank. From that time to present, she served on the Western Arkansas Advisory Board of Simmons First National Bank. Although she continued her career, she was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Not only was she committed to caring for her family, but she was also involved in many civic organizations. Two of the organizations in which she was most actively involved were the Charleston Chamber of Commerce and the South Franklin County Fair. If her contribution could better the community of Charleston, she would be available. She was also a faithful supporter of the First United Methodist Church of Charleston, of which she was a lifelong member. It gave her much pleasure to see families, especially children, attend the contemporary morning service. No matter how busy professionally, she always found time to cook for family and friends. Her natural ability for cooking made this seem effortless even for the largest of groups. She enjoyed gatherings and celebrations for both her own family and her extended family. She had a special fondness and respect for her husband’s parents as well as his siblings and their families. Throughout her life, she kept very busy. Her favorite leisure activities included golfing with friends, sewing, picking a winner from her box at Oaklawn Park, serving as the chef on snow skiing trips and at their cabin on Lake Dardanelle, attending Razorback baseball games, and traveling. Although she preferred to be near home and family, she happily accompanied her husband, Joe, on the many trips he planned for them. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clint and Cornealia Moore and her sister-in-law, Doris Frasier Moore. She is survived by her husband, Joe, of the home; her son, J. Sherman Hiatt II and wife, Sheila, of Charleston; her son, J. Clay Hiatt of Fort Smith; her daughter, Misty Hiatt Gage and husband, Trey; her grand-daughters, April Hiatt Newhart and husband, Darrin; Wendy Hiatt Lovett and husband, Shawn; and Katherine Olivia Gage; her great-grandchildren Alexis Grandison, Addison Newhart, Mason Newhart, Avery Lovett, and Anna Kate Lovett; her brother, J.C. Moore; her niece, Debbie Moore Flynn and husband, Mike; and her nephew, Jim Moore and wife, Melissa, all of Charleston. Visitation will be Sunday, February 22nd, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston. Funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Charleston on Monday, February 23rd, at 2 p.m. The family will be receiving in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the funeral service. Interment will be in the columbarium of the First United Methodist Church at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Margie L. Hiatt Memorial Fund," c/o Arkansas Community Foundation, Union Station, 1400 W. Markham, Suite 206, Little Rock, Ark. 72201.