- Date Of Death: July 8, 2019
- State: Indiana
Dorcas Jean Hammonds was born Dorcas Jean Gardenhire on December 3, 1934, in Rickman, Tennessee. She was the third of four children born to parents, Herbert Gardenhire and Parzetti Bohannon Gardenhire.
Dorcas was educated in Overton and Putnam counties in Tennessee public schools. Her mother and father went to great lengths to expose Dorcas and each of her three siblings to educational opportunities, even though doing so was quite difficult, given the adverse social and economic circumstances of those times. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College, (now Tennessee State University, Nashville Tennessee).
Dorcas’ love for children, her education, and her incessant interest in learning, equipped her to be an excellent teacher. She was known for endowing children with confidence and for helping them develop an appetite for learning. After a fulfilling career as a teacher, she retired from the Vigo County Public School System, Terre Haute, Indiana in 1997. Following their retirements, Dorcas and her husband, Andre, lived in Terre Haute, until their move to Indianapolis. in 2006. Dorcas developed endearing friendships that were mutually gratifying throughout her life.
Dr. Andre Don Hammonds, who preceded her in death, was the love of Dorcas’ life. They were married on January 23rd, 1960. It was always evident to all who knew them that they loved one another dearly. Being an adventurous couple, they relished international travel – especially to Western Europe and the Caribbean. They also enjoyed jaunts to numerous parts of the USA. Although they appreciated world travel and delighted in extraordinary experiences, they knew how to enjoy the simple things of life as well. They acquired a small travel vehicle, and later more advanced vehicles, that facilitated their deep appreciation for nature. They were always eager to embark upon a touring, camping, fishing or hiking excursion. Family members often met them at campsites to share in their love for nature. Together, they inspired others by their joy, their accomplishments and their generosity.
Family members cherished Dorcas and Andre. As strong family supporters, they regularly made trips to the homes of their parents and siblings, where they basked in the beauty of familial ties. Get-togethers with family were special treats. Nephews and nieces knew that when “Aunt Jean and Uncle Don” came to town it was time for big family dinners, cook-outs and an assortment of good times.
In addition to her parents, Dorcas was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Gardenhire, and sisters, Mary Lamberson, and Gladys Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory, son, Derek Jevon Hammonds (Tracey); daughter, Deidre Lynn Hammonds; granddaughter, Shania Samone Hammonds and a host of nieces and nephews.
Humbly Submitted…………… Family
