Norma Lee Hammer, 97 years of age, went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2021.
She was born June 26, 1924 in Peabody, Kansas, to Glen Dale and Elva (Stratton) Rockhold. Norma moved at an early age to Joplin, Missouri where she described her childhood as wonderful and full of happy memories. She made many lifelong friends and kept in touch with them over the years.
Norma graduated from Joplin Senior High School in 1941. Desiring to help in the war effort, she went to work as secretary to Colonel Viktor Rauzi at Camp Crowder in Neosho, Missouri. During this time she met her future husband, Richard Sam Hammer. They were married in May of 1942 and then moved to Camp San Luis Obispo, California where Richard was stationed in the army. While there, Norma worked for The American Red Cross. After training, Richard was sent to Guam and served as an X-ray Tech in a field hospital. After his return from Guam, the couple moved back to Joplin, Missouri to make their home.
Norma filled her life with many interests which included watercolor, china painting, piano, sewing, millinery, and knitting. She belonged to various organizations including Young Matrons and Homemaker Study Club. After rearing her children, she worked for George Little, CPA and Jim Muskrat, CPA.
Church was of the utmost importance to Norma. She taught Sunday School, played the piano, and sang in the choir. Growing up, she belonged to Empire Baptist Church. After her marriage, she was a member of Connor Avenue Baptist and Forest Park Baptist. Upon the loss of her home in the 2011 Joplin tornado, she moved to Hoover, Alabama where she joined Bluff Park Baptist Church.
Norma is survived by a daughter, Janice Kay Hammer Graham (Don); son, Richard Lee Hammer (Brit); daughter, Jill Annette Hammer; sister, Marjorie Lucille Rockhold Scheurich; grandchildren: Jeffrey David Graham (Jill); Michael Dustin Graham (Tristan); Heather M’lle Graham Pilleteri; Christopher Kipp Graham; Jasper Hart Hammer; Renata Jane Hammer; and Madeleine Mirabelle Schaffrin (Jessie). She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Elva Rockhold; her husband, Richard Sam Hammer; and an infant son, Jeffrey Richard Hammer.
After meeting adversity with courage and perseverance (living through the Great Depression, World War II, the death of an infant son and husband, and the loss of her home in the 2011 Joplin tornado), this can be said of her life:
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Holman Christian Standard Bible
7:I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8: There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who loved his appearing.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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