Willa Mae Hammond
Willa Mae Smith was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18th, 1925. She lived in Cleveland her entire life. She was the fourth of five children born to Simon and Corolla Smith. Her sibling were Jane Smith, George Smith, Thelma Smith, and Sidney Smith.
She attended Bolton Elementary, Rawlings Junior High and she graduated from Central High School Class of 1945. Willa Mae was nicknamed “Shorty” in school because of her small stature. In school, she participated in several extra-curricular activities. She was a guard in the Victory Corps, A nurse’s aide and she was a member of the Glee Club.
She was united in marriage to James Richardson shortly after graduation. Th Their Union they had three children, Ronni James, Juanita, and Terrell. Although this marriage didn’t last, they worked together to raise their family. In 1968, Mae married Frank Hammond. They just recently celebrated their 53rd Wedding Anniversary.
Throughout her career, she held several positions. One she particularly enjoyed was in health care at Highland View Hospital, which later became Metro Hospital. She continued to work there until her retirement.
She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Glenville Seventh Day Adventist Church. Later in life she joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
Mae was one of the sweetest people who exemplified kindness. She enjoyed helping others. Once when she was in rehab because she had broken her shoulder, I found her helping other Patients, as if she was still working. She was in her late 80’s at the time.
Mae was a quiet person with a heart of gold. Her smile lit up a room. She loved her family unconditionally. Her politeness followed her throughout her life. Even after slowing down a bit, she never forgot to thank anyone who assisted her.
Survivors include her husband, Frank Hammond; three children, Ronni Richardson (Deborah), Juanita Gamble (Jerry), Terrell Richardson Sr. (Shelia; Four grandchildren, Jerry Gamble Jr.(Tasha), Aaron Gamble Sr. (Shontia, Sheryl Richardson, Terrell Richardson Jr. (Sarah; Six great grandchildren, Jehrie Gamble, A’Shontay Montgomery, Ariel Gamble, Aaron Gamble Jr. Gabrielle Richardson and Olivia Richardson; two nephews, Gary Smith, Kendall Smith and one niece Tammie Smith.
