Lucile Amelia Hammond

Lucile Amelia Hammond

Lucile Amelia Hammond was born on February 5, 1943, to Lester (L.A), and Margaret Evalyn (Upton) Kirk. She was the only child born to that union. Lucile was raised, and lived all her life in Knoxville, Tennessee. She attended Maynard Elementary school, Beardsley Jr High school, and graduated from Austin high school in 1961. She also attended Knoxville Business College. Her first job was at National Linen Service; she worked a few years at Hillcrest Nursing Home; she worked for University of Tennessee Medical Center, as a unit secretary in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and in the General Pediatric Unit, where she retired after thirty-plus years of service. She was baptized at an early age, she worshipped and served the Lord faithfully at Emmanuel United Presbyterian church, as an "Usher and Ordained Deacon, until her health declined.

Lucile married her high school sweetheart, Wardell Bell Hammond in 1961, to that union were born two sons, Lydell Antoine, and Rodney Jerome Hammond.

Lucile loved to laugh, dance, and have fun. She had an incredible sense of humor. Her favorite things to do were to read the Knoxville News Sentinel, work crossword and sudoku puzzles, and watch 'In the Heat of the Night.' She was an avid sports fan of the University of Tennessee, football, basketball, and softball teams. On gameday she would put on her game face, and her orange and white, and coach, and cheer them on to victory! For many years she served the city, county, and the State of Tennessee as a "Poll Worker." She had a tremendous impact on countless of people in the neighborhood, and surrounding communities registering and encouraging people to "Vote," they often referred to her as "Mama."

Lucile was preceded in death by Wardell Bell Hammond; Parents: Lester (L.A.), and Margaret Kirk; Paternal grandparents: Daddy Kirk (Lester), Mama Kirk (Julia), Maternal grandparents: Oliver James Sr., Lucile Amelia Schooler, and Ollie Mae Upton; Uncles: John D. Kirk, Oliver James Upton Jr (O.J.), and Clarence Richard Upton; Aunts: Irene (Auntie Kirk) Mae Ruth (Kirk), Betty (Kirk), and Helen Upton.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved sons, who she loved unconditionally, Lydell (Yolonda)Hammond, and Rodney Jerome (Squirrell) Hammond, her dedicated and loving primary caretaker, Carla and (John Jefferson) her daily, devoted personal care giver. Three loving and faithful friends: Mary Peyton, Darilyn Whitiaker, and Carol McCold whom she met while working at U.T. Medical Center. They continued to call and help Lucile throughout her many years of illness. Lucile called them her daughters. A special cousin Margaret Shedrick (Scoot), Emmanuel United Presbyterian church family, and a host of cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 11-12:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 12:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 3023 Selma Ave. Knoxville, TN 37914.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com