Betty Dean Webb Hammer

Betty Dean Webb Hammer
Wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, homemaker
08/24/1930 - 08/02/2009

Augusta, GA – Following a massive cerebral hemorrhage Betty Hammer, a native of Rogersville, Tennessee, went to be with her God on Sunday, August 2, 2009 at the Medical College of Georgia at the age of 78.

She was predeceased by her parents, Hubert Walter Webb and Ida Ruth Webb, and two brothers, Wayne and Murle Webb, all of Rogersville. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dr. Wade B. Hammer of Augusta; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert B. and Karen C. Hammer of Atlanta; a daughter and son-in-law, Joanna Hammer Dykes and S. Wade Dykes of Monroe, GA; and four grandchildren, Austin Taylor Dykes and Hannah Nicole Dykes of Monroe and William Burke Hammer and Hadley Elizabeth Hammer of Atlanta. She is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Fodel Webb; and sisters-in-law, Irene Webb and Erma Webb of Rogersville, Tennessee and Mary Jo Hammer Purves of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mrs. Hammer graduated from public schools in Rogersville, TN and Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, TN with a degree in elementary education and moved to Lakeland, Florida where she taught kindergarten at the First Baptist Church and then fourth grade in the Polk County FL school system. There she met her future husband Dr. Hammer, a native of Lakeland. Upon his completion of pre-dental studies at the University of Florida, they married and moved to Atlanta where she taught in the Dekalb Co. GA educational system while he studied at the Emory University School of Dentistry, oral surgery residency and practiced in Atlanta. She continued to substitute in Richmond Co. GA after they moved to Augusta where her husband joined the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia.

She was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Augusta since 1968 where she has served as, den mother, board member, WMU Church Circle, wedding committee coordinator and numerous other roles. She was an active member of the Jane Mitchell Sunday school class.

Other activities included Reserve Officers Association League (ROAL) where she served at state and national level in many roles including national president 2004-2005. She was currently President of the Georgia Department of ROAL. In 1991 when Dr. Hammer’s 382nd US Army Reserve Field Hospital was deployed to Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, she performed a key role with the unit family support group here at home. She served as a true “Colonel’s Lady”.

Betty was an active member of the Magnolia Garden Club of Augusta has served many offices and was presidency several terms. Her home garden is evidence of her love of gardening.

She and Wade are active in the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller where she as Dame Commander has served as Grand Chancellor of the Grand Priory of the United States. She was presently Commander of the Augusta Commandery.

Betty was a loving wife, mother, friend, patriot citizen, and community activist who will be truly missed by her family, her church, and her many colleagues both locally and internationally.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Rev. John Pinson officiating. Pallbearers will be Austin T. Dykes, Thomas Murle Webb, Jeff Folkard, Earl Duncan, Charles Ruhl, Brian Mulherin and honorary pallbearers include Jane Mitchell Sunday school class, the Magnolia Garden Club and the Order of Saint John. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Building or Missions Fund at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3185 Wheeler Rd., Augusta, GA 30909.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 7, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. A guestbook may be signed on our site www.thomaspoteet.com