Diana "Lily" Hamer

Diana Hamer loved life, her family, and her faith.

Diana "Lily" Hamer, a popular educator, passed away at her home on Wednesday, December 28th. She was 73 years old.

Every day, she was happiest and most alive when she could serve another person or a cause in the community. With her passing, a brilliant light has gone out.

Lily was born Diana Hixon, along with her twin sister Diane to Hattie Mae Hixon on January 7, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in the Fourth Ward neighborhood of Rome, Georgia, in a large, loving family household. She was recognized by all as the family photographer, and always had a camera ready to capture special moments. Lily was rarely seen without a smile, and she had an infectious laugh that could usually be heard before she entered the room. Her signature word was "Superfantastic!" and she ended every conversation with "I love you!".

A lifelong learner, she graduated from Main High School's final graduating class, and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from David Lipscomb University in Tennessee. She then earned her Master's Degree from Berry College in Rome, Ga., and a Sixth Year Degree (Specialist Degree) in Counseling from The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. She also attended The University of South Florida in Sarasota, FL.

Lily worked in the Rome City School system as an educator for 28 years, positively influencing the lives of the children in her charge, who she lovingly referred to as her "babies". Lily's warm and magnetic personality made her popular with students, staff and parents.

She was a lifelong member of Callahan Street Church of Christ (formerly East 14th Street Church of Christ) in Rome, Ga., where she was a beloved Sunday school teacher for many years. She was a devoted student of the Bible, and motivational speaker. Her favorite scripture was Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Lily is survived by her twin sister Diane (Ann) Gibbs (John Gibbs), her trusted friend Diane Fuller, three nephews, Johnny Jr., Danyale, both of Rome, and Tory of Oklahoma, a great nephew, Nathan Gibbs of Minnesota, brother-in-law Kenneth Brinkley, and many loving cousins, church families and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Hamer and her mother Hattie Mae Hixon.

Her homegoing service will be held on Wednesday, January, 4 at 1p.m. at Callahan Street Church of Christ in Rome, Georgia. Public viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 3, from 12-5 pm at Wright Memorial Mortuary, 814 S. Broad St. Rome, Georgia.