Ouida Arnett Hartman

Ouida Faye Hartman passed away peacefully in her Austin home with her husband and daughter holding her hands on January 6, 2023, after a 7-year struggle with Lewy-Body Dementia. Ouida was born on December 16, 1946, in Brookhaven Mississippi to Leo Arnett and Daisy Pearl Richardson. She was raised in Grayson, Louisiana where she was close with her two sisters Linda and Betty and many cousins. She graduated from Caldwell Parish High School in 1964, going on to attend Secretarial school and advancing her education until she eventually earned a master's degree in Education. Ouida married Bill Tatum in 1970 and had her first child, Ashley, in 1975. She was married to Bill for 7 years. During this time, she worked as a legal secretary and later a teacher, where she discovered her love for working with special-needs and disadvantaged children. She would go on to teach Special Education in Louisiana, Florida and Texas, where she was known for her patience and giving nature, as well as her fun lesson plans that included dancing, cooking and outdoor activities. She was elected Teacher of the Year in Manor, Texas before she retired in 2003. Ouida's impact on her students was well known and long lasting. She was blessed to have a former student care for her at the end of her life. In 1985 Ouida met Don Hartman at Riverbend Baptist Church in Austin. Don still recalls that Ouida was the most beautiful woman in his Sunday school class, which prompted him to ask her for a date. This led to a 1 year courtship in which Ouida often brought her daughter Ashley on their dates and events, a testimony to her loving and mindful parenting. They eventually married in 1987 and welcomed their only child, Michael, into the world in 1989. Michael was Ouida's pride and joy and she took great care to nurture him in such a way that he developed a strong love for others, natural leadership skills and a great understanding of his self-worth. Ouida had a deep Christian faith and was a lifelong Baptist. Because of her special love for children, she served as Children's Minister at Highland Park Baptist Church from 1992-1996. She developed a lasting relationship with these children that endured into their adulthood. They still recall her smile and making them feel "like they were each the most important person there." Ouida was also a dedicated wife and mother. Some of Don's favorite moments with Ouida include time they spent together, just the two of them, in New England, Europe, and Canada. Ashley and Michael remember how she would clap and squeal with delight whenever they came to visit and loved treating them to her delicious southern cooking. As a family they enjoyed traveling together, including yearly traditions going skiing in Whistler, Canada and camping with church friends every 4th of July in Leakey, TX. Ouida was known for her sense of humor, her selfless love for the underprivileged and her quick response to care for anyone in need. She kept supplies in her car in case she encountered someone homeless and would take meals to people she saw on the street. Ouida had a unique ability to see a person's human vulnerability and speak truth into their lives, letting them know they mattered and that they could succeed. She often provided resources, ideas and opportunities to make that happen. She created a beautiful legacy, unmatched, as a wife, mother and friend. Her life, example and impact will not be forgotten. Ouida was predeceased by her mother and father, as well as her best friend and sister Betty Lombard. She is survived by her husband Don, children Ashley and Michael, sister Linda Rolen and many cousins and family members. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM at The Church at Highland Park, 5206 Balcones Dr., Austin, Tx.

Ouida Arnett Hartman

December 16, 1946 - January 6, 2023