"My deepest sympathy to your family. I worked with Freddie Mae for a short time, and feel lucky to have known such a warm, kind and loving woman. We were fortunate to have such a wonderful influence in our lives."
In loving memory of
Freddie Mae Gautier
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Freddie Mae Hurd Gautier
Freddie Mae Hurd Gautier, 71 went to be with the Lord December 14, 2001. Freddie was born July 14, 1930 in Seattle, Washington and has been a life long resident. She was the daughter of Fred G. Hurd and Minnie Purnell Hurd owners of the Central Area Bakery. Freddie spent her time loving people, teaching people, leading people and building consensus locally and nationally. She was active with Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and founder of the Washington Chapter of Southern Christian Leadership Conference SCLC. She was founder of the Benefit Guild, an African American Women?s Charitable Organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate. She was a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP. She was recipient of many community honors and awards for her humanitarian and civil rights leadership. She was the recipient of the Metropolitan YWCA, Isabel Coleman Pierce Award.
In addition to her civic activities she was a pioneering African American businesswoman. She was co-owner of many businesses, concessions at SeaTac International Airport and the Washingtonian State Convention and Trade Center, in addition to being a principle at a mortuary. Through the last 40 years she was employed by Central Area Motivation Program; Model Cities; Odessa Brown Children?s Clinic; City of Seattle; King County; Seattle Bonding Company and was appointed to many boards and commissions including the first Washington State Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration; the Washington Commission for African Americans. Ms. Gautier served on the board of the Visitor and Convention Bureau and was active in the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Gautier was known for her political action insight was the most sought after endorser for political candidates in Washington State.
Ms. Gautier was a columnist for the Los Angeles Sentinel in Los Angeles, California and most recently appeared on the segment of ANY DAY NOW on the Lifetime Station. She was noted for her support of talented musicians such as Quincy Jones and Jimmy Hendrix. She was an active member of Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Freddie Mae Hurd Gautier attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. She also did post graduate work at UCLA.
Freddie Mae was preceded in death by her parents Fred G. Hurd and Minnie Purnell Hurd and is survived by; her loving daughter Yvonne Renee, Larry Morgan; loving son, Pierre Anthony Gautier and loving grandson, Paris Gautier Sims, in addition to stepmother Annie B. Hurd, step-siblings Gloria Hurd-Samuels, Loretta Wasse`, Louise Crosby, and Charles Daniels as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Evergreen-Washelli is in care of her remains and viewing will begin at 4:00 P.M. to 8:00PM on Wednesday December 19th through Thursday December 20th 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, December 21, 2001, with additional viewing from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at St. Marks Episcopal Church 1245 10th Avenue East, 206 323-0300. Those unable to attend, an online memorial book is available to sign at www.evergreen-washelli .com. In lieu of flowers a contribution maybe made to the United Negro College Fund in the name of Ms. Freddie Mae Hurd Gautier.
Tributes
"To The Family of Freddie Mae Gautier our deepest sympathy for the lost of one of God's Faithful Servants. Freddie and my former wife Pat Manning were childhood friends and adult sisters in the Benefit Guild. Freddie will be missed by all."
"How very lucky I am to have shared in the life of your remarkable mother. She always signed cards to me as "your other mom" and I will treasure these keepsakes and countless memories of her goodness forever. Thank you Pierre and Missy for sharing her with me all these years. Much Love to you both and my Dearest Popi. God Bless. Gina"
"Dear Pierre & Family, Your mother was a fabulous person. I am one of those many persons your mother helped and supported. Throughout my music career your mother was steadfast in her support of me as a local musician. She promoted my talents through her extensive network of friends and associates. Every time I saw her I was greeted with that wonderful, warm smile and big hug much like that of my own mother who passed away last March. Freddie Mae was an elder whom I trusted, respected and cared for. My deepest regards are extended to you. In honor of your mother's memory please call upon me if I can ever help your family in the future. Sincerely, Steven Banks"
"My deepest sympathies to the family of Ms. Gautier. She was an inspiration to so many Seattlelites and will be greatly missed. She used to babysit my brother, Jerome and walked with me @ Washelli when my mother passed in 1993. God bless you. "
"I am very sadden today to learn of Freddie Mae death. We were friend from way back to Jimmie Hendrix childhood in which we met. We saw each other every once in a while when she were an employee for the city of Seattle. My last contact together were during the death of one of my relative in which she were at this funeral home. I will miss seeing her and talking with her. All of the relatives have my condolence."
"Pierre, The service was Perfect. The speakers spoke from their hearts and were so real about who your mother was. I know she would have loved to hear the beautiful songs, funny stories and great eulogy from so many successful friends. Santita's words and singing were so admired by my daughter and myself. Thank you for being a part of my life and sharing your mother. I knew she was a great cook BUT did not know that everyone else knew that too. I would like to acknowledge her hard work and do something to honor her on MLK Day. A day on not a day off.!!!! She will be missed. Now I know why you have been a great friend to so many. Love you as always, Janice"
"Sis Gautier was a dear friend to the chiles Family. She will be greatly missed by my sons and I. My 16yr old still had his baby blanket that she gave him when he was first born. We will never forget her warm kisses that we recived every sabbath Morn. God Bless"
"Our deepest sympathy and prayers to your family. Freddie Mae will be truly missed."
"Dear Missy , Pepe, Paris & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Although I wouldn't see Mrs. Gautier often, when I did it was like we hadn't missed a beat. Your mother was blessed with the gift of caring and compassion for not only her family, but for other's as well, as I'm sure you know. Knowing Mrs. Gautier has enriched and enhanced my life as well as others. I will miss her presence among us, but the memories that I have of her I'll keep and cherish forever, as I know you will do the same. Love, Debra Jimerson-Wheeler"
"Pierre and family members, My deepest sympathies go out to each and every one of you. Freddie Mae was a unique and warm person whom I will always remember and cherish knowing. She was there for me in my darkest hours following the death of my fiance' and a few years later, my son. I am so sorry I can't be there to extend my final farewell to her and to show my love for her and support of you. Words cannot express how sorely she will be missed by the community and all who knew her intimately. I will always adore and admire her. Peace to you all. Cynthia Phillips "
"I am sorry for your loss. Freddie Mae was a true gem and inspiration to far more than you will ever know. Her courage and leadership will be missed but will live on in memory."
"To the family of Ms. Gautier, I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Gautier for a short time but really enjoyed the time I had with her. She was truly an inspiration and guiding light for me as well as many others. Thank you for sharing her with us. My prayers are with you at this time. Dean Barnes"
"To- Pierre, Yvonne And Family We extend our prayers, love and sympathy. Just as your Mother, Freddie Mae soared on earth her spirit is now soaring in heaven and all around us. In her memory we join you in continuing her work and keeping her legacy alive. With love and understanding, Mona and Pete Bailey"
"...Yvonne & Pierre, and the family of Freddie Mae, my heart goes out to all of you. I send prayers and sympathies to you for the loss of your mother. I am sorry we could not be there, we just found out today. ....Freddie Mae was a darling--dynamic woman. I am so proud to have know her. I was one of the ones she 'rescued'. ..My fondest memory of her is when she told me to leave Walla Walla, Washington run! and come to work for the City of Seattle. She always gave me inspiration to reach, a just a little higher. She used to call me one of her Oakwood College babies.... ...Know that I will miss seeing her radiant smile, as well as chatting with her at church Breath of Lifeto get an update on her new projects and adventures. All of Seattle will miss Freddie Mae.....she had a big heart. She loved so deeply....and lived so magnificently. God Bless you all... Angela Vega-Blankenship WLRH Public Radio Armand Blankenship WJAB Public Radio Shamira Vega-Meadows Poet Extraordinaire"
"My prayers and thoughts are with you."
"I will keep you in my heart and in my prayers during your time of sorrow"
"I will keep you in my heart and in my prayers during your time of sorrow."
"A pioneer and sheroe of the Seattle area to all who knew and loved her."
"God has placed each of us on this earth with a special mission towards mankind. Freddie Mae found her mission reaching out to others. We send our prayers and sympathies for the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. May God be with your family always. The Cason's "
"A great mentor will be missed by many. My condolences to family and close friends. She brought forth an era that will live on in those she faithfully mentored. May you rest in peace. "
"Pierre, I want to extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Freddie Mae will be sorely missed from our community. She was a vibrant woman and helped whomever reached out to her.. I am proud and priviledged to have known her. She will be our guardian angel from the heavens."
"My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Thank you for being a role model to me. David Simpson Everett City Council President "
"I remember little Freddie May and Hurd's Bakery on 22nd and East Madison in the 1930s and 1940s. I will miss Freddie Mae as one of my "pioneer" friends."
"CONDOLENCES TO PEPE,RENEE,&FAMILY OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU."
"Ms Freddie Mae all that I am now is because of you.Your mentoring made the difference in my life . I hope the good LORD knows a SAINT when he has one standing next to him.I will never forget you. Steve Williams Chief Marshal SMC."
"Yvonne- You will always feel your mother's presence. It will show in the people that she helped and all those she loved. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Diane "
"Yvonne, my deepest sympathy; your Mom was quite a lady and will be sorely missed. Take comfort in knowing that she left her mark on the world. Much Love. Doreen."
"Yvonne, my deepest sympathy; your Mom was quite a lady and will be sorely missed. Take comfort in knowing that she left her mark on the world. Much Love. Doreen."
"Dear Gautier Family, you have my deepest sympathy. I worked with Freddie Mae at Seattle Municipal Court, and first met her at the Film Company White Light Productions. She was truly loved, and I will always remember her. Always, Linda Conner Seattle Municipal Court "
"Dear Missy, How well I remember all of those Seattle-Atlanta flights when your mother was coming to visit you,back in the days when you and I were "sky goddeses." She was a lovely, warm person who made you feel as though she had known you forever. I am so glad she touched my life, and that I helped celebrate her 70th birthday. Of all of the wonderful accomplishments in her life, you and Pepe made her most proud. She will always be with you. I share your grief. Having lost my own dear mother, my heart shares your sorrow. Blessings and much love to you and your family........ Arlene Webster"
"It is with a heavy heart that I express condolences to family and friends. She continues to serve as an inspiration for us all to emulate."
"Yvonne, in your time of mourning and sorrow know that God is there. My condolences to you and your family. You will be lifted up in my prayers. Deborah "
"Dear Yvonne, I was so very very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you!!! "
"My family and I are thinking of the entire Hurd-Gautier family in our prayers!"
"Pierre, On behalf of Julia Goodwin and family, we expresss our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. During your sorrow may you find comfort in the Lord. Praying for you."
"All the staff at vinces italian restuarant. will truly miss you and your wonderful spirit. may god bless your family."
"My sympathy is with all of Freddie Mae's family. I have known her since we were children. She most certainly will be missed."
"To the family of Freddie Mae, she will be SO MISSED! She was a STRONG and MAGNIFICANT VOICE in our Black Community. I will send a contribution to the United Negro College Fund in in Memory of Freddie Mae Gautier. "
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"Dear Freddie: You will be sorely missed."
"My Dear Beloved Freddie Mae: You Will Be Missed!!! However, your exemplary accomplishments and lifestyle will remain etched on the tablet of the hearts of the multitudes that you've blessed. As we approach and enter yet another blessed Holiday Season, after all that we've been through as a commune nation, I pray for Peace, Love, Understanding & Obedience of the spirit that dwells within each of those whom seek the truth! May God continue to watch over and guide you and your loved ones through your each and every path of this life. Let us remember, it's not so much as we have, it's what we do with it, and how we use it toward our fellowman/woman. Let family camaraderie reign above all else as the glue to unify this nation with the deepest understanding and appreciation for all mankind. After all, we are the stewards of this domain. Exercise wisdom gained in past choices made to enhance a better future. God Bless... Rest In Peace, Min. W.D. Patterson, Founder of: W.D. Patterson OutReach Ministries, USAâ?¢ P.O. Box 30505 Seattle, Wa. 98103-0505 USA WebSite: hometown.aol.com/Retrofit1/OutReachMin.htm"
"I first met Ms. Freddie Mae @ the Southwest Mortuary in July 1999 when my father passed away. That was one of the most devastating times of my life and Ms. Freddie Mae kept me going. Her soft voice, her kind words and that powerful hug made me feel like everything would be okay. I truly appreciated the love and compassion she gave and I will cherish the memories she instilled in my heart. God continue to bless her family and friends. "
"Yvonne, You and your family have my deepest sympathy during your time of sorrow. Tracie Baugh"
"Yvonne, You have my deepest sympathy, my prayers are also with you and your family. I have been down this road before myself, it has been quite a few years ago. Still it seems like only YESTERDAY. God will take care of you, he will shine his love in your heart and that will make everything alright AGAIN. Caring about you in your time of need. With deepest sympathy, Sandy Hughes "
"Yvonne, just wanted you to know that you and your family are on my heart and in my prayers. You are so blessed to have had such a mom who impacted so many peoples lives. I know right now the only one who can comfort you is the same one who planned for you to be Freddie's little girl, the Lord knows your heart. I love you, Deborah."
"May the strength of God's arms keep you and your family lovelingly and tenderly in His care. Weeping endures for a moment but joy comes in the morning. Absent in body but present with the Lord. In sympathy Harriett Bedell "
"May the strength of God's arms keep you and your family lovelingly and tenderly in His care. Weeping endures for a moment but joy comes in the morning. Absent in body but present with the Lord. In sympathy Harriett Bedell "
"Missy, Needless to say,I was extremely saddened to hear of your mother's passing. We have for the past fews months, been walking similar roads with our mothers. I am praying to GOD now that he keeps you strong and comforted. Know that I love you and although I can't be there, you and your family are in my thoughts. May Ms. Freddie have a peaceful, restful sleep in a place where joy abounds! Love, Betty "
"Yvonne, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother. May God keep you in His care. Faye Thornton "
"Yvonne-My condolences to you and your family during your loss. My prayers are with you during this time. May God bless you with his love. Respectfully, Terry L. Noble "
"May the strength of God's arms keep you and your family lovelingly and tenderly in His care. Weeping endures for a moment but joy comes in the morning. Absent in body but present with the Lord. In sympathy Harriett Bedell "
"I will always thank God for sharing Freddie Mae with us. She demonstrated her love for some many of us when she passed on information she knew would benefit us. She was positive and tireless in her efforts to help others. We are all so special because she touched our lives. Alice A. Davis"
"I've worked with Freddie Mae on the King Cty. Bd. of Equalization and she was always striving to be fair to the taxpayer. She was empathetic to all people, and was a joy to work with. We will miss her. Helen Kay, King Cty Bd. of Equalization/Appeals, Chair "
"Yvonne - I was saddened to hear of your mother's passing. Having had a similar situation, I know the anguish and helplessness you felt. In time, memories of happier times will overshadow the sorrow you feel now. With caring and sympathy. Elizabeth "
"To The Gautier Family: A precious jewel was picked. God definitely had better plans for her. She will be missed tremendously. When I first came to Municipal Court she just took me under her wing. She was so precious to me. I will miss her. Love In Christ, Cynthia Davis"
"Our heart and prayers to your family. Freddie Mae, you will sincerely be missed. "
"Yvonne and Family, Thinking of you and praying that God will give you peace in this difficult time. With deep and heartfelt sympathy, Betty Harris"
"To the family of Freddie Mae. My heart and deep-felt sympathy are with you in your time of loss. If you need anthing, please call 253835-1198 Home or 206282-5220 Work."
"To Pierre and family our deepest sympathy. She will surely be missed. She was a positive influence, friendly, witty and helpful always. Love and God bless you all. "
" My thoughts and prayers are with you. Don't worry about things here."
" My thoughts and prayers are with you. Don't worry about things here."
"Aunt Freddie Mae, was a surrogate Aunt, and a mentor and Friend as she was to many, many people. My foundest memories will be our going out to eat which she loved to do in her health. I will miss her dearly, and Am so saddened that she passed away just a short few weeks after I moved away from the Seattle Area. I had hoped beyond hope, that she would be there when I returned to visit. But God knows best, and she was tired. So I look forward to seeing her in the Earth Made New. I dearly love and respect her, and she will be missed dearly. I would like to say to Missy, and Peppy, that I love you both and my prayers and best wishes are with you during this rough time. Keep looking up and know that she is in a better place, and if we live the way we should we will see her again. She would want us to keep the flame burning."
"Ms.Gautier was a tireless soldier for Christ. Her perservearing faith, hard work, and magnetic personality will be missed by all those who knew her. I am thankful that I knew her as a fellow Seventh-Day Adventist.My prayers and condolencences go out to the Hurd and Gautier families. God bless all of you and remember we will see her again in that great resurection day.Let us keep her work and accomplishments moving forward. your eternal friend and brother-in-Christ,"
"Yvonne & family, Wishing you strength & peace during this difficult transition. Love & God Bless, Jackie Bowen"
"May Your Family Have Peace in Your Time of Sorrow. We Love and Miss You."
"Freddie Mae, I will always remember you as a dear friend to my mother and my family. You were so wonderful to know and love. Thank you for everything you did to help my mother and all other African American women. My deepest sympathies to the Hurd and Gautier family. Love, Shawn Richard-Davis"
"One of my fondest memories is watching you read the Obituaries while working at Odessa Brown Clinin and saying "People are dying that have never died before". We don't die, we live on in people's memories as you will in mine."
"To Pierre and Missy, the Jones and Miles families extend their deepest sympathy. Freddie Mae will always be the most memorable person I have ever met. She touched my life, my family's life and the lives of so many other people, with her random acts of kindness, gentle scolding and unabashed love. She was a huge supporter of Clyde's Cakes and Kathy's Art. We have shared many a family chuckle over her calling my father, Herman to warn him about his warrants when they were about to be served. Her commitment to the Civil Rights Movement and the end of racial bias and hatred will effect generations to come. Perhaps her greatest legacy will be how she lead by example. When one looks back over her life, with the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, we are reminded that a Saint is just a sinner saved by grace, we fall down but we get up. I am sure Freddie Mae is up in heaven right now, rearranging God's schedule because she has somebody he just has to meet. Rest in peace our sweet Queen. "