Lina Lee Knighton Hammond, 96, of Columbus, formerly of Enigma, died Friday, May 22, 2009, at Magnolia Manor in Columbus. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Enigma United Methodist Church. Rev. John Harrington will officiate with burial to follow in Enigma Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23, 2009, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mrs. Hammond was born on February 18, 1913 in Shellman and was the daughter of Elijah Wesley Knighton and Madie Lee Hamilton Knighton, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ralph B. Hammond, Sr., formerly of Enigma; and her brother, Otis C. Knighton, formerly of Paso Robles, California. She was a graduate of the Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville and Valdosta State College and taught in Georgia public schools for 40 years, primarily 5th and 6th grades in Enigma and Tifton.
Mrs. Hammond served in numerous leadership positions in several professional educator organizations including the International Reading Association and the Beta Omicron Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators.
She served her community and church well her entire life. She was an active member and leader of the Enigma United Methodist Church, where she served as pianist for over 50 years. She held numerous leadership positions including Sunday School Treasurer and Teacher and MYF Director and held every office in the church's United Methodist Women organization. She was remembered fondly for the numerous cards and letters sent to children and adults on holidays and special occasions and during times of sadness and grief. At her own expense, she kept many members of the church supplied with subscriptions to "The Upper Room", an inspirational United Methodist Publication.
As an example of how she was loved and appreciated in her church and community, her 80th birthday was recognized as "Lina K. Hammond Day", where former students, fellow educators, family and numerous members of the Berrien and Tift communities gathered at the church to honor her service. As one of her closest family friends said, "she always gave of herself to whomever she became acquainted".
Mrs. Hammond is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Ralph B. Hammond, Jr. and his wife, Nancy Ross Hammond, of Columbus; a granddaughter, Stacey Lynn Hammond of Statham; a grandson, Rob Hammond of Atlanta; a sister, Loleat Knighton Perkins of Ocala, Florida; and ten nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Enigma United Methodist Church, Enigma, GA 31749.