Evangelist Missionary Emma Nell Hammonds, age 87, of Memphis, Tennessee, transitioned from this present life to eternal rest on November 8, 2024. She was born on July 20, 1937, to the late Alice Marie Hammonds and Sherrer Blue of Elba, Alabama.

In 1962, at the age of 25, she received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, a life-changing experience that strengthened her spiritual journey. She later moved with her siblings to Utica, New York, where she became an integral part of the Utica community. She joined St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ in 1963 under the leadership of the late Rev. James Griffin, and her faith flourished as she served God with a devoted heart. She remained an active, faithful member of the church when Rev. James Griffin’s son, Pastor Jimmie L. Griffin, took over leadership.

In Utica, Missionary Hammonds worked for over 30 years at St. Elizabeth Hospital as a nurse’s aide and transporter. Through the course of her rewarding career, she touched the lives of many with her kindness, compassion, and melodious voice. She retired in 1997 after a long and fulfilling career.

Missionary Hammonds was a woman who was always ready to sing, praise God, and help others. She believed in giving and serving the Lord with gladness. Her love for pastors and the Church of God in Christ in Elba, Utica, Memphis, Amarillo, Texas, and around the country was unwavering. She greatly cherished her children and grandchildren, always making sure to spoil them with gifts and affection.

When her health began to decline, Missionary Hammonds moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Living in Memphis, Missionary Hammonds shared precious, faith-filled moments at home and with the Seeds of Hope Ministries family, led by her son-in-law Pastor Alfred L. Franklin, Sr. and daughter, Missionary Ann Franklin.

Missionary Hammonds’ legacy is one of love, generosity, and unwavering faith in God. Her influence lives on in her children, grandchildren, and countless friends and family members who were touched by her life and spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings: brothers Fred Hammonds, Alfonzo Hammonds Sr., Wilbert Hammonds, Thomas “Bubba” Hammonds Sr., Sammie Hammonds, Joseph Frazier, and Sharo Frazier; and her sisters Mary Alice Lee and Marie Waters. Left to honor her memory: her children, Evangelist Missionary Ann Lanellla Hammonds (Pastor Alfred, Sr.) Franklin of Memphis, Tennessee, Isaiah Jacoby (Stephanie) Hammonds of Clinton, New York; her loving sister, Mrs. Shirley Ann Coleman of Memphis, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Charles Franklin, Alfred Franklin,Jr., Kimberly Franklin, Zaiah Hammonds, Alex Franklin, Maya Hammonds, Hanna Hammonds, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Celebration of Life will be Friday, November 15, 2024 12:00 noon both will be held at R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, Tennessee 38111.

Services will be streamed via Facebook at RS Lewis Live Stream

Interment will be at Memorial Park Southwood Cemetery, 5485 Hacks Cross Rd Memphis, TN 38125.