Committal
Betty Clement Hammond of Grace Ridge in Morganton, NC died Monday, June 22, 2026. Born in New Prospect, SC, she was the daughter of the late John and Rachel Clement of Spartanburg County, SC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary F. Hammond to whom she was married for 60 years, a daughter, Gloria Hammond, three brothers: Paul Clement on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor, Morris Clement, and Herman Clement, and three sisters: Rachel Orndorff, Frances Walkowicz, and Sarah Morris. She is survived by a daughter, Ann Hammond, of Morganton, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Hammond attended Western Carolina University and graduated from Winthrop College where she received a B.S. degree in Vocational Home Economics. She taught in Fairforest, SC and Shallotte, NC before coming to Valdese High School. She stopped teaching 11 years to raise a family, then resumed her job at Valdese High School and finished her 30-year career teaching Vocational Education at Valdese Junior High School.
Mrs. Hammond was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morganton, NC and loved the Koinonia Sunday School Class. Living at Grace Ridge gave her opportunities to serve on the Religious Life Committee and the Decorating Committee. She helped organize the Toy Makers of Grace Ridge, making all kinds of stuffed animals that were given to sick children at Grace Hospital and Valdese Hospital. She was a member of the Variety Club for 55 years, a member of the North Carolina Education Association, a member of the North Carolina Retired Governmental Employees Association, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Women's Auxiliary. She was also involved with the local AARP chapter, the Blue Blazers at COMMA, and the Red Hat Society.
She loved crafts, especially making greeting cards. She enjoyed sewing, flower gardening, camping, reading, line dancing and western square dancing, playing cards, and cooking for her family and friends. To her, Food was synonymous with Love, and her Chocolate Pound Cake, German Chocolate Cake, and Cream Cheese Bread were legendary. She always knew the right thing to say and the right thing to do in any situation. She was smart and funny, always helpful, and she never complained. Like her Mother, she was a Proverbs 31 Woman. She truly made the world a better place.
A Celebration Service will be held Friday, June 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Morganton, NC with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Prior to the service, friends are invited to meet with the family in the Sanctuary at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Bereavement Fund, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
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Dear Ann.. You may not remember me, but I was your and Gloria's "baby-sitter"for several years in the early '60's. I even got to go to White Lake FFA camp when you dad was teacher at Oak Hill. I loved being with your family. Your parents were wonderful. I'm so sorry to see that Miss Betty has passed. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I've often talked about my association with y'all. Love our memories, Lynn.
Dear Ann, your mom was one of my favorite teachers. She was such a sweet lady. I loved taking her Home Ec classes. Prayers to you during this time. God bless. 🙏
A saint has gone home! A model of kindness and joy! Flora Mae and Ed Hardin
Dear Ann and Family, Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ms. Hammond was my favorite teacher. I also considered her a precious friend later in life. Ms. Hammond has blessed many lives. Ann... you have the same gift, and I am so thankful I've had the opportunity to get to know you more. Scott and I wish you peace and comfort. Your Mom's love will always be with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Ann, I’m sorry for your loss. I still remember the rug, you two made. It was a beautiful addition to my Christmas decorations. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mrs. Hammond was my favorite teacher in High School. She influenced my life beyond words. She always showed patience and respect for her students. The family has my deepest condolences for their loss. Love and light to each of them.
When I grew up in First Baptist Church, Betty and Gary Hammond were such dedicated members. They were an inspiration to me not only in their Christian commitment, but in their natural, sincere kindness that of course flowed from that commitment. What a wonderful legacy Betty left. She touched many lives. God bless you, Ann.
What an amazing legacy Aunt Betty leaves. She truly lived a life of the “Proverbs 31” woman. Although friends and family will miss her in this world, we celebrate that she has now come face to face with her Savior and is reunited with Gary and Gloria.