Christeen Southerland Hastings

Mrs. Christeen Southerland Hastings of Pulaski, TN, passed away July 3rd, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born January 7, 1929, in Limestone County, Alabama, to John Henry and Hattie Bell (Miller) Southerland. Christeen's family were sharecroppers near Holland's Gin, and she often told about growing up in the cotton patch. As a young adult, Christeen started working at W. E. Stephens Manufacturing (or, the "pants factory" as she called it). She quickly proved herself to be a dedicated employee and was promoted to supervisor, a role she held for 42 years, walking up and down those halls and looking out for her "girls". After 47 years of diligent service to W.E. Stephens, Christeen retired to spend more time with her true love and passion in life: her family. On May 12, 1945, she married George Leo Hastings. They had two children together, Bobby and Vicky. After Christeen began working at W.E. Stephens, and Leo at Stanley Tools, the couple moved to Pulaski, where they spent the remainder of their lives together. Leo and Christeen were married for 59 years until his death in 2005. Family was the cornerstone of Christeen and Leo's lives, and they lovingly devoted themselves to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christeen's favorite title was that of "Meemaw", "Grandma", and "Grandmother." Going to her house to visit always included beautiful stories of the past, memories of times spent with those she loved, and-- without a doubt-- a continuous reminder to go grab a Sun Drop and something to eat from the kitchen. Christeen's life was one of simple pleasures-- whether it be simply visiting with family and friends on her porch, watching Dallas and making milkshakes for her grandchildren, collecting salt and pepper shakers to continue the legacy of her mother, or going yard-saling on the weekends (which was not complete without a trip to Cracker Barrel their infamous chicken and dumplings and fried okra). Holidays were always special to her, and her house would be covered in themed salt and pepper shakers and a tree for every holiday. Of all the holidays though, Christmas was always her favorite, as she got to see her family, proudly display her collection of cardinal decorations, and have a fresh cut piece of coconut cake on Christmas morning. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00pm to 1:00pm at First Presbyterian Church. The memorial service will follow at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 18th, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will take place at Maplewood Cemetery immediately following the service. Christeen is preceded in death by her husband, Leo Hastings; son, Bobby Hastings; grandson, David Hastings; parents, John Henry and Hattie Bell Southerland; brother, Howard Southerland (Betty); and sister, Frances Griffin. Christeen is survived by her daughter Vicky Harwell; grandson Chris Williams (Emmy); granddaughters Kristi Garrett (Shawn) and Katie Harwell; great-grandchildren Hunter Dunavant, Susan Williams, Ramsey Dunavant, Tucker Dunavant, Samuel Williams, and Noelle Harwell Collins; sister Shirley Lemmons; and the light of her life, Hunter's beagle Millie. Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Christeen Southerland Hastings.

Christeen Southerland Hastings

January 7, 1929 - July 3, 2026