Ernestine Hammond

In Loving Memory of Ernestine Hammond

Ernestine or known to her close friends and family as "Punch", was a devoted wife, mother, cherished grandmother , beautiful pianist, and passionate educator, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the beautiful age of 95. She was born to the union of Reverend E.J. and Rosetta Choice Lott.

Funeral Services will be Friday March 14, 2025 at 11:00am at Elmwood Funeral Home 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Visitation will be Thursday March 13, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Entombment at Elmwood Memorial Park immediately after the funeral.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to shaping young minds.

As a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Ernestine filled her home with warmth, laughter, and the kind of love that made every family gathering feel like a celebration. She was a source of strength, always ready with a listening ear, a wise word, or a gentle nudge in the right direction. Her family was her heart, and she embraced her role with a fierce devotion that will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Hammond finished from the first Negro High School or Carter G. Woodson School, she went off to Texas College in Tyler, graduated and began her teaching career. She taught in Slaton five years and in Lorraine for two years before coming to Abilene to teach at Carter G. Woodson School in the early 1960's. Then Mrs. Hammond went to Locust and taught first grade for two years there, before transferring to Bonham where she taught until she retired in 1990. But Ernestine's love extended far beyond her family, she was a guiding light to countless first graders who were lucky enough to sit in her classroom. With a passion for education and a firm but loving approach, she instilled confidence, curiosity, and a belief in each child's potential. Her students didn't just learn to read and write; they learned to believe in themselves. Many still recall her encouragement, her high expectations, and the way she made every child feel seen and valued.

Beyond the classroom, Ernestine was a dedicated member of Antioch CME Church, where she served as a missionary president, a pianist, stewardess, and missionary for over 60 years. Through her music, she brought joy and inspiration to worship services, filling the sanctuary with melodies that lifted spirits and strengthened faith. As a stewardess, she devoted herself to the care and upkeep of God's house, ensuring it remained a place of warmth and welcome for all. Her work as a missionary extended her love and service beyond the church walls, reaching those in need with kindness, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God's purpose.

Beyond her work and church service, Ernestine found joy in her hobbies. She was an avid bowler, enjoying the camaraderie and competition of the sport. Whether rolling strikes or cheering on her teammates, she brought the same enthusiasm and determination to the lanes as she did to every other part of her life. She was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she upheld the values of charity, truth, and loving kindness, always striving to uplift others through service and fellowship.

Ernestine Hammond is survived by devoted daughter Kimberely Muldrow-Reed (Cedric Reed) and cherished granddaughter Jazmyn Gindratt, and five other granddaughters, Brother-in-law Walter Baisy (Nelda), beautiful niece Ike Jackson (Jack), five nephews Edgar Watson, Johnny Smith,Torrance McLin, Jospeh Woods and Kenneth Boston who will continue to honor her memory by carrying forward the lessons she so gracefully taught-both in the classroom and in life. Her best friend Ella Mae Carroll and as well as a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews.

The beautiful souls who proceeded her in death are the following: Ernestine was the beloved wife of Leroy Jesse Hammond, with whom she shared 48 beautiful years of marriage until his passing. Her daughter Ester Agertha Hammond, grandson, J'Vonta Williams who leaves behind three great-grandsons (Amory, Denver and JyAire) to carry on his legacy; her sisters, Deanna McLin and Christine Montgomery; her loving parents, Rev. and Mrs. E.J. Lott; and her 5 nephews, Zjok "Pepe" McLin, Bama Ray Smith, and Charles Smith, along with her niece, Michea Harrison.

Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Rest in peace, Punch, Mom, Auntie, and Memaw. Your legacy of love and learning will never fade.