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Winnie Mae Smith was born February 18, 1954, in Laura, Mississippi to Le Ree Smith and Irene Bolton Smith. Winnie was the third child born to this union. She had nine siblings: three sisters, Catherine, Terri and Patricia and six brothers; L.C, Micheal, J.C., Daniel, Frank and Thome. Winnie was educated in the Laura Public School System through the ninth grade. She moved to Columbus, Ohio with her sister Catherine while a teenager and graduated from Linden McKinley High School. Winnie later completed an Associate Degree at the Matta College of Business Machinery in Columbus, Ohio. Winnie was an industrious young woman. She worked in high school. After graduation she was a keypunch operator at Kauffman and Lattimer. Winnie worked as an Administrative Assistant at UPS for 25 years. She retired in 2003.
Winnie Smith met Ronald Leon Hammonds while in high school. They were next door neighbors in the Trevitt Heights community. Ron would secretly admire Winnie from a distance as she walked home from school. His siblings teased him saying, “you are going to marry her one day”. And he did.
On August 28, 1976, Ronald and Winnie were united in holy matrimony in Columbus, Ohio.Shortly after their marriage Winnie’s mother passed away. Winnie became the family matriarch, although she was a young adult and newlywed. She accepted
this responsibility and lovingly cared for her siblings. Mr. and Mrs. Hammonds honored their wedding vows, “for better or worse,for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health ‘til death do us part”. PRAISE GOD FOR 44 YEARS TOGETHER!
Winnie and Ron have two sons: R. Leon Hammonds Jr. and Anthony Tywayne Hammonds. They are raising their granddaughter Sanyi Arianna Hope Cooper Hanmonds. Ron recalls, “Winnie was a very good wife and mother. She was very protective of her sons and granddaughter. She was very supportive of her sons in their sports activities, attending their games,and transporting them to their events. She made sure Sanyi got to school and back home everyday and attended piano lessons, pathfinder activities and worship service and other activities.
Over 40 years ago, Winnie joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was baptized at the Hilltop Church (currently renamed the Hilltop Community Worship Center). Sister Winnie served in several areas of ministry including: Head Deaconess, Hospitality, Pathfinder secretary, Usher, and food pantry volunteer. Sister Winnie transferred her membership and became a charter member of the Beacon of Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served faithfully in several ministries of the church including: Head Deaconess, Finance Committee
Chairperson, Hospitality leader and Sabbath School teacher until her health failed.
Sister Hammond’s favorite Christian song was “ Take Me to The King”. She enjoyed reading the Holy Bible and The Desire of Ages . Sister Winnie enjoyed being a part of the Pathfinder Club for boys and girls. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping and etc. She proudly watched the youth grow and learn about nature and Christian life skills.
Sister Winnie was a very creative person. Her passion for cooking, interior decorating and fashion reflected her natural gift. She also had a spirit for hospitality. She enjoyed cooking and serving delicious well-presented food. Her favorite foods were macaroni and cheese and Prime Stakes with gravy.
On Friday, December 18, 2020, Winnie Mae Smith Hammonds passed away at The Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus,Ohio. She has finished her earthly assignment. She is taking her rest now, awaiting the call of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Over the years she believed in this blessed hope. Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Sister Winnie was predeceased by her parents LeRee and Irene Smith; sister, Catherine McNair, and brother, Daniel Smith. Sister Winnie leaves behind family and friends who mourn her passing. They include: her husband, Ronald Leon Hammonds, Sr.; sons, R. Leon Hammonds Jr.; Anthony Tywayne Hammonds (and wife Demetrius); granddaughters: Sanyi, Shaea, Garbrielle and Jucia; grandsons: Anthony, Demetrius Thomas, and D.J.; her sisters, Terri Smith, Patricia (and husband Melvin) Farmer; brothers, Frank Smith, Sr., Micheal (and wife Cookie) Smith, Thome (and wife Dawn) Smith, L.C. (and wife Gayle) Smith and J.C (and wife Theresa) Smith; brothers-in-law, Guy (and wife Carol) Oliver, Thomas Hammonds, Jr., Karl Hammonds, Timothy Hammonds; sisters-in-law, Catherine (and husband Danny) Clark, Elizabeth Boone, Harriet Hammonds Richardson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be greatly missed.
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN, WHAT A DAY OF REJOICING THAT WILL BE!
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