Phyllis Ann Hammond

Phyllis Ann Hammond, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at NHC Healthcare in Kingsport, Tennessee. A beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Phyllis lived a life marked by strength, compassion, and unwavering love for those around her.
Phyllis was born to Virginia "Bobbie" Keirsey and Charles Keirsey. Phyllis moved from Maryland to Surgoinsville, TN when she was in third grade. She married her high school sweetheart, Max Hammond. They would go on to have two daughters, DaRonda and JaLana, and spend 66 years together before Max passed away in 2022.
Phyllis was one of the kindest and most loving souls to ever grace this earth - full of desire to help others. She cared deeply for everyone around her, and her empathy touched countless lives. She loved her family more than words could ever describe.
But beyond her kind spirit, she was also hilarious and feisty. Her sense of humor, quick wit, and lively personality brought light into every room she entered.
She never missed a chance to brag about her family, especially her granddaughter, Jessika, who was her pride and joy.
Her definition of family extended beyond just her immediate family. For the last year, Phyllis lived at NHC HealthCare in Kingsport. She and her family spoke very highly of the staff and appreciate the care, love, and compassion they provided. Phyllis enjoyed the company she shared during her time with them. To her, they were a part of her family.
She is survived by her daughters, DaRonda (James) Patterson and JaLana (Terry) Clingan, granddaughter Jessika (Joey) Birchfield, and great grandson, Vince Birchfield. Other family members, Ron and Jean Keirsey, Sherry Tolbert, Virginia Hammond, and several nieces and nephews.
Receiving of friends will be held at New Providence Presbyterian Church on Friday, June 6th at 11:00am followed by a service at noon. Serving as pallbearers will be Terry Clingan, James Patterson, Joey Birchfield.
In lieu of flowers, Phyllis' family requests donations in her name to First United Methodist Church of Surgoinsville.