Jessie Mullin Hammonds
Jessie Mullin Hammonds, a native of Simsboro, but long-time resident of Baton Rouge, died peacefully in her sleep on January 21, 2024, at the age of 96.
The daughter of Lloyd Arthur Mullin and Maurine Daniel Mullin, Jessie was born in her parents’ home in Simsboro on February 18, 1927. Though she was an only child, she was never alone and survived the Great Depression and World War II with the love and support of cousins she considered as siblings. In particular, Peggy Mullin May of Ruston, grew up with her, served as Maid of Honor in her wedding, and spoke to her by phone regularly until the very end more than 70 years later.
Jessie moved with her parents to Baton Rouge in 1942, and she graduated from University High School in 1943. She earned her B.S. Degree in Education from LSU in 1948 and her Master’s Degree from LSU in 1950. While attending graduate school, Jessie met Norris E. Hammonds and the couple married in 1952.
In search of teaching opportunities, Norris and Jessie lived in Tennessee and in Illinois, where they had their first child (Bob). Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Lake Charles where their second child (Tom) and third child (Dan) were born. The family moved to Crystal River, Florida, in 1960 but missed family and returned to Baton Rouge in 1961, where their fourth child and only daughter (Pat) was born. Jessie lived in Baton Rouge the rest of her life.
After teaching for more than 30 years, including stints at Woodlawn High School and Central High School, Jessie retired in 1983. She expected to enjoy her retirement years with her husband, but Norris died unexpectedly in 1992. She lived the remainder of her life alone, but she never complained. She kept her mind sharp watching Jeopardy and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
She kept her spirit full by becoming even more active at St. John’s Methodist Church, where she and Norris had been founding members, and by following her beloved LSU Tigers. She once stated that the only thing left on her bucket list was a trip to Omaha to watch the Tigers play in the College World Series.
And she kept her heart full with her love for her children Robert L. Hammonds (wife Terry Zimmerman Hammonds); Thomas M. Hammonds ( partner Donna O’Rourke); Daniel C. Hammonds (wife Donna Brown Hammonds); and Patricia Hammonds Douglas ( husband Thomas C. Douglas); grandchildren (Amanda, Brad, Greg, Mark, Heather, Jessica, Holly, Emily and Jack); and her great grandchildren (Alyson, Beth, Lily, Max, Avery, Abby, Hannah, Sam, Claire, Cal, Archer, and Jennings). Jessie was so proud of her family, and her family was so proud of her.
Jessie Mullin Hammonds was a strong, quiet, and intelligent woman who never had a bad word for anyone and who was loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be missed.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. with religious services immediately thereafter at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 230 Renee Dr., Baton Rouge. Burial services will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Simsboro, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents and husband.
The family would like to give special thanks to Jessie’s caregivers (Lisa, Brenda, and KeKe) and would request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Oak Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Sissie Polman at 1223 Hwy. 815, Simsboro, LA 71275.
