Virginia Mae Hammond

Mother Virginia Hammond, affectionately known as Grannymom, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, foster mother, and devoted woman of God. She went home to be with the Lord on November 8, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, service, and unwavering faith. Mother Hammond was born on August 24, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John Henry Martin, Sr., and Mary Ethel Martin. She was one of 16 children. Mother Hammond attended the Des Moines Public School system, graduating from high school and completed her post-secondary education at Des Moines Vocational School, where she majored in Home Economics and became a master seamstress. Mother Hammond fell in love and married Melvin Hammond on December 21, 1956. From their union, they were blessed with five children-Donnell, Inez, Gail, Stacy, and Cory-and were the first Black family to settle in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Mother Hammond's nurturing spirit extended beyond her family. As a licensed daycare and foster parent, she cared for over 130 children throughout 30 years, offering boundless love, care, and faith-filled guidance. Each child received the security of a true home and learned about the Word of God, a gift many still cherish today. In addition, she opened her home to the fatherless, motherless, and homeless and volunteered in her community as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. For her work she was honored by Hennepin County Children Family Services. Mother Hammond was a woman of many talents and ventures. She worked at Honeywell and Blue Cross Blue Shield and, alongside Melvin, co-owned The House of Ribs restaurant, which was voted "Best Barbecue in the State of Minnesota" and is currently featured in the Minneapolis Public Library. An accomplished seamstress, she used her artistry to create cherished hand-sewn pieces, including uniforms for Perkins. Her servant heart brought comfort, joy, and pride to her family, church, and community. Mother Hammond was deeply devoted to her faith for 82 years, giving her life to the Lord at 12 years old in Des Moines at East 14th Street Church, where she served as a church drummer. Later, she continued serving the Lord at Graham Temple, now known as First Church of God in Christ in Minnesota. Her service to the church knew no limits, as she devoted herself fully to ministry-cleaning, caring, and supporting in countless ways from children to seniors. She was a faithful church member who served in many capacities, including head of the usher board, Sunday school teacher, young people willing workers treasurer, children's ministry leader in the JW Graham District. She was also a member of the renowned "Martin Sisters," who traveled to spread the gospel through songs, becoming Midwest regional favorites. Later, she served at Living Word Church and World Outreach Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Lesley Ford Jr. and Pastor Rosella Ford. As one of the first seven members, Mother Hammond served her church for 40 years as a church mother. She was involved in hospitality, sang in the choir, and even made caramel popcorn to fund the bus ministry. Did we mention she spoiled us with her cooking and baking? Her best meals were dressing, navy beans, peach cobbler, pineapple upside-down cake, and homemade rolls were her specialties. Her grandchildren and foster children knew not to move around the house so the rolls could rise perfectly. To this day, her recipes have become legendary family traditions, cherished at holidays and gatherings. Beyond her service, Mother Hammond enjoyed spending time outdoors, marveling at God's creation while sitting on the porch doing her word finds (especially Bible editions), traveling, shopping, dining at restaurants, creating backyard games, singing karaoke, and playing endless games of Trouble and Checkers, where she showed no mercy. She delighted in drawing, living in her self-proclaimed "mansion," and always sharing the Word of God with everyone she met. She found great joy in gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and creating memories. In her 94 years, Mother Hammond was blessed to see her family grow through four generations, witnessing high school and college graduations, weddings, and countless family milestones. Mother Hammond heard Jesus whisper her name on November 8, 2024. She was welcomed to the other side by her best friend, Melvin Hammond; her parents, John and Mary Martin; and her siblings, Inez Randolph, Paul L. Martin, Sr., Louis G. Martin, Sr., James Martin, Dennis Martin, Charles Martin, Sonny Martin, Ruth Madison, Maxine Harvey, Geneva Hardin, Patricia Lilly, Pearl Johnson, Glenda Barker, and Vivian Martin. Mother Hammond is survived by her brother, Archie Martin (Elaine); her children, Donnell (Tois), Inez (Ronald), Gail, Stacy (Larry), and Cory (Addie); her bonus daughter, Jakayla Neal; her godchildren, Randy and Rochelle Webb; her 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchild; along with a host of extended family, living word family, dear friends, and countless lives she touched. Mother Hammond's legacy of faith, compassion, and service will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy will remind us of the power of God, love, service, and community, as she truly fulfilled the purpose that God set before her. As we close, let us remember the famous Grannymom quotes that continue to inspire us: 1. "You can have heaven on Earth" 2. "Who wouldn't want to serve a God like this?" 3. "Blessed of the Lord and still got the mind to live and treat people right" 4. "The lord told me the storm is over smooth sailing?" 5. "Go praying"

Tributes

Virginia Mae Hammond

August 24, 1930 - November 8, 2024

Tributes

Virginia Mae Hammond

August 24, 1930 - November 8, 2024

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