Hazel James (Chat) Chatmon, a native of Selma, and longtime resident of Mobile, AL, was born March 10, 1946 and departed this life Monday, July 8, 2019. Chat was a proud member of the Historic R.B. Hudson High School Class of 1965, and an Alabama State University graduate. He served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. As an inspired member of the Selma Foot Soldiers, Chat devoted most of his adult life to his work as a civil rights activist, which led to his receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. Tirelessly advocating on behalf of the oppressed, disenfranchised, and the forgotten man without a voice. He was a man of strong faith, who led by example, always striving to ensure that he practiced what he preached. He was a founding member of the New Lyons Park Tennis Association and a supporter of youth tennis in the greater Mobile area until his death.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Dora Chatmon and his parents, Alonzo and Ella Chatmon.
He leaves behind his beloved family; devoted wife of 15 years, Darlene Davis Chatmon; four sons: Alonzo, Christopher, Courtney (Tierra), and Joseph Chatmon; one daughter, Tonya Irons; one sister, Dorothy Chatmon; five grandchildren: Alonzo (Jasmine) Powell, Samara (Abraham) Kinlow, India Irons, and Atiyeh and Alonzo Chatmon; four great grandsons; one niece, Lydia Chatmon; one goddaughter, Tiara McCants; and a host of relatives and friends.
His remains will lie in state at Small’s Mortuary Sunday, July 14th from 1-5p.m. Funeral services are Monday, July 15th at 11:00 am at the Friendship Baptist 2667 Reaves St in Crichton.