It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Armstrong Hammond, who peacefully left this world on March 3, 2024, in her home in Paducah, at the age of 68. Mary was born on Dec. 23, 1955, in the scenic St. John's, Newfoundland in Canada, to chief Master Sgt. Charles D. Armstrong and Ruby Squires Armstrong.

As a military family, they soon moved to Okinawa, Japan, where Mary spent much of her childhood and early education. At the age of six, the family welcomed a baby brother, Chuck, into the family. After moving to the United States, Mary and her family lived briefly in Maryland and Texas before finding a true home in the small city of Paducah, Kentucky, in the winter of 1971. She attended Paducah Tilghman High School for her senior year and graduated Class of 1973.

Mary was accepted into the University of Kentucky and quickly joined the Chi Omega Sorority, continuing a lifelong pursuit of personal development, community involvement, and supporting women's empowerment.

Shortly after graduation, Mary joined the Paducah Tourist & Convention Commission in 1986, starting as part of a two-person team. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, serving as the executive director for the last 23 years. Her dedication and hard work led to significant achievements, including Paducah's designation as a UNESCO Creative City in 2013.

Mary was not only a leader in her professional life but also in various organizations and boards. She served as the coordinator of the 59 UNESCO Creative Cities of Craft and Folk Art, on the Board of the National Quilt Museum, and on the U.S. Travel Association's Board of Directors for two terms, among other prominent appointments.

Glenn Denton, chairman of the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, remarked, "Each and every year, day after day, she's outworked and surpassed everyone, and her legacy is going to live for a very long time."

Mary's impact extended far beyond her professional achievements. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her community. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary is survived by her nephews, Charles Darling Armstrong III, James Hamilton Armstrong (Lauren Armstrong), and Ian Douglas Armstrong; her nieces, Erin Rachel Armstrong and Aislyn Mira Morning; great-nephew and niece Keaton Oscar Armstrong and Ella Nicole Armstrong; as well as a host of friends and colleagues who will cherish her memory.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Friday, March 8, at Grace Episcopal Church. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with the 11 a.m. service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Quilt Museum or Grace Episcopal Church in Mary's honor.

Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of local arrangements. Please share a memory or leave a message for the family at milnerandorr.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Paducah Sun on Mar. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Hammond

8 Entries

Dale Hatt

July 11, 2024

I´m very sorry for your families loss. You were a great friend growing up on the rock (Okinawa) and although I didn´t keep in touch as mush as would have liked, I will miss your smile and funny personality when we talked. Love ya forever.
Say hi to your parents for me.

Dale Hatt

David Wilson

March 12, 2024

Mary was a good friend and colleague. We worked together as co workers in connection with the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Paducah in November 2015 to judge the Rivers Edge Film Festival. Mary was the perfect host and so well regarded in the city for her drive and determination to ensure that the world knew about Paducah. I met up with Mary at UNESCO events across the world including China and Japan and Mary’s energy and enthusiasm were always steadfast. She will be sadly missed.

Maura Gast

March 11, 2024

To Mary's many friends and extended family - I had the joy of working closely with Mary on the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program board, and as a peer. She was a true "SWWGSD" and served her colleagues and peers with everything she had - just as did everything. Hers was a life extraordinarily well-lived - my heart hurts for her plans for her future in retirement, something she had worked so long and so very hard for.

Brenda Hart

March 8, 2024

RIP Mary. What a wonderful friend and human being you were. You are the example we strive to be. You will be truly missed my friend.

MiMi Futrell Mino (Spring Hill, TN)

March 8, 2024

With deepest sympathy

John Kenyon

March 8, 2024

Mary was such a champion for Paducah, literally putting it on the map for people throughout the country and around the world. She did so with a disarming charm that made her immediately feel like a lifelong friend. She was also a leader in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network who worked tirelessly to bring people together, and advocate for culture and the arts. Her impact will be felt for a very long time.

Jacob Wagner

March 7, 2024

Mary Hammond was a friend to all and an advisor to many lucky professionals in the field of culture and heritage around the world. I am eternally grateful for Mary's leadership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and her deep commitment to UNESCO in the United States. Pour out a little bourbon for Mary - a true soul sister has left his mortal plain. JW

Angela and Freddie Covo, San Antonio,TX

March 7, 2024

We are so sad to hear of Mary Hammond's passing. She was very helpful when we started our quest to make the city of San Antonio a member of the UNESCO Creativas a kind lady. She was very kind and we will always remember her!

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