Erah Maxine Hamm
Erah Maxine Hartzog Hamm of Tiger, Georgia died on March 18, 2020 at Traces of Tiger Care Center after a courageous twenty year battle with dementia. First diagnosed in 2001, her approach to this was the same as her approach as an educator; to learn all she could, pass on her knowledge to help others, and make a difference in their lives.
Maxine was born in Texasville, Alabama on January 15, 1938 to Simon Timothy (ST) and Era Boyd Hartzog. Era died due to complications during childbirth on January 25, 1938. When her father, ST was called to serve in World War II, Maxine continued to live with her maternal grandparents, Bob and Evie Boyd. Her love for music was cultivated during this time at the Saint Peter (National Baptist Convention) Church located across the road from her grandfather’s store.
She remained in her grandparents’ care until the return of her father from Europe in 1943. Her father re-married on November 1, 1945 to Mary Lillie Horne and on July 11, 1947 they welcomed Maxine’s sister Mary Ann Hartzog into the world.
During her high school years at Bakerhill, she would accompany her father on the piano when he would sing at funerals. The rumor goes; he would drive up to the school and wave at her, and she would leave the classroom and jump into his pickup truck. After the funeral was over, he would simply take her back to school.
It was during her high school years that Jerome Hamm met her, telling his friends, “One day I am going to marry THAT girl!” And indeed his prophecy came to fruition for they were married on June 9, 1956 at Adam’s Chapel Methodist Church outside of Clayton, Alabama.
Her love of music was a perfect fit as a “Preachers wife” as she quickly became the pianist for many churches Jerome served throughout his career. Theirs is, and was, a perfect match for the next 63 and half years. She became the mother of three children – Felicia, Hans and Liana. However, her love for children extended to countless others beyond her three. So much, in fact, that she decided to go back to school full-time in 1972-73 to West Georgia College and obtain her education degree.
A dedicated life-long early childhood educator, she always looked for the opportunity to pass on her learning and knowledge, faith and wisdom to others. It did not matter whether they were students, friends, neighbors or strangers everyone was graced with Maxine’s compassion.
Maxine is preceded in death by Era Boyd Hartzog (mother), Simon Timothy Hartzog (father), Mary Lillie Horne Hartzog (step mother)
She is survived by the following:
Husband – Clarence Jerome Hamm
Sister – Mary Ann Hartzog Britt (Richard)
Children & Spouse – Felicia & (Bruce) Partain, Hans & (Margaret) Hamm, Liana & (David) Smith.
Grandchildren & Spouse – Adria (Partain) & Kris Smallwood, Deirdre (Partain) & Chris Tiller, Donovan Partain, Kelsey Smith, Isaac Smith, Meg Tunno (Hamm), Julian & (Paula) Tunno (Hamm)
Great Grandchildren – Kele Smallwood, Caiden Partain, Cole Smallwood, Jonathan Kee, Ana-Margaret Kee, Leigh Tunno, Emily Tunno
The Celebration of Maxine’s life will be held at Nacoochee Presbyterian with The Reverend Robert Prim officiating on Tuesday, June 9, 2020.
In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to make a difference in someone else’s life to: The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in Maxine’s name. It will continue her legacy of determination, courage and compassion to help others and make a difference in their lives.
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You were always a comforting light in my life. Thank you for accepting me into your family unconditionally. You always loved unconditionally. I will love you always.
Prayers and love to all. I remember many meals in the Hamm house in Dahlonega, Ga. Maxine was an exceptional witness for Christ. You will be greatly missed. Heaven clearly gained a special angel.
Mrs. Partain, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that I am praying comfort and peace for you and your family.
Such a beautiful testimony! Praising the Lord for her life and impact she had on those in her path! Prayers for all of the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Her story inspires me.
I am greatly saddened by the loss of your wife and mother. I will always remember my time with her at Stockbridge United Methodist Church. She impacted many lives with her love for Our Lord and the children that come into her life. May her memory be Eternal +
Mrs. Partain, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Felicia and family,
Our hearts are with you. I know you have comfort in that she is sitting at the Saviors feet right now. Your hearts grieve only the physical for you know you will see her spirit again one glorious day.
Much Love,
Craig, Gail & Katie Scheibel
Such a dear sweet woman! Prayers for peace and comfort to our family! We love y’all!
What a special loving lady. Your family has always been special to James and I. Our prayers are with you all
The sweetest lady who always took extra time to help anyone in need! Maxine would pick me up early Saturday mornings and take me to the church where she would help me with my reading skills 😊 My grandparents, Bob and Esther Brannan, Jr. we’re close friends with both Jerome and Maxine and to our entire family. I remember my grandparents telling me how the four of them would always go to Waffle House on Sunday nights after church to eat and fellowship. Pretty sure they used to play cards, bridge. I was so thankful to have taken Grandma to Tiger, GA for us to have a full day to visit with them 😊. Grandma also battled with dementia. Precious family that took time with us all ❤️ Praying for you all and I know Papa and Grandma are having a grand time together again ❤️🙏🏻
Maxine’s beautiful spirit through the wonderful stories of her life will forever be celebrated and remembered. Thank you for sharing “mama” with us Felicia. Her light still shines through you and the family. we are continuing our prayers for the you and your family. Know that we are here for you. God Bless.
Mrs. Partain your mom lived a full and beautiful life. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. May the soul of your mother be at peace with our Heavenly Father. May ‘GOD continue to bless and keep you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss! Felecia always speaks with such love and admiration for both her parents. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you cope during these most difficult times. May God wrap his arms around you and I pray you find peace.
Such a dear sweet friend. Loved by all who met her.
She will be missed. But we know she is no longer struggling and is singing with the angels and playing the piano for the choir.
Love you.
She had such a sweet, happy, countenance. Perfect example of a preacher’s wife. Influenced all who knew her by “precept and example”. Memories flood our minds of good times at Stockbridge UMC with Jerome and Maxine. Prayers for all the family.
Most of my memories of Maxine were experienced on trips we took with she and Jerome, I always found her to be caring coupled with a great sense of humor. I laughed for an entire day following a comment she had one morning after our group spent staying overnight in a converted Monastery in Cortona, Italy. Always happy to be with others and of course – possessing a fabulous smile that was unmatched. Missing her now and always!
Prayers to family and friends.
I am so very sorry of the loss of a such a kind sweet soul as Maxine. The loss is her Jerome’s, her family, our congregation at Nacoochee Presbyterian, as well as all the other folks throughout her life who delighted in the light that Maxine shared.
I send empathy and love to all who are hers.
Maxine lived love, and her beautiful smile lightened the day for many. She and Jerome composed a beautiful marriage.
The Railey and Gould Families send their condolences to Rev. Hamm and his family for the lost of Maxine. May the Amgihty God be with the family. Rest in Peace Maxine.
Doris for the family
Maxine was such a friendly and loving woman, it was an honor to know her. Bob and I were always touched to see Maxine and Jerome take their communion bread back to their pew and feed each other, as if it were their wedding cake! We loved watching Maxine and Jerome love each other.
Although they were United Methodists, they chose Nacoochee Presbyterian Church because of its blue door! Maxine said that the blue door drew them to the church, but the love of the congregation kept them there.
We will miss seeing her sweet smile.
I used to attend lots of singings that Maxine and her daddy attended. We were good friends at time.she was always such a pretty girl.
So blessed to know the Hamms! Maxine with that beautiful smile, always happy and finding good in folks, helping whenever she was called upon and what a fantastic piano player! She and Jerome were at Northwoods Methodist for some nine years, dearly loved by all. Maxine was the perfect “preacher’s wife”. They were both very active in my son’s wedding — showing their love for each other. Many prayers and much love are being sent your way.
What a beautiful lady inside and out. God’s light truly shined through Maxine. NPC will miss her greatly.
Tuta, you were the best Sister to me! You spread love to everyone! I thank God that He blessed me to be your Sister! ❤️ I know that one day we will be together again in God’s House!
Thinking of all of you with love
Cal and I remember the loving hostess and good cook Maxine was. She talked of her school pupils and their children.
The love between her and Jerome was so apparent. Our love to you, Jerome and your family.
Cal and Bev Mannes
We were so blessed to know Miss Maxine. Her love knew no bounds. Blessings to you Jerome and family.
So sorry to hear. I go back to the fifties! We grew up together, about 1 mile apart, in the same school, same church. She played for my Wedding! Jerome, I am so sorry to hesr!?
We Episcopalians loved Maxine & Jerome over many years. True Christians in every sense of the word including the sense of humor. Katherine
Maxine had the biggest heart. I will never forget how sweet and kind she was to our family and especially Maggie. She loved Maggie so much and Maggie loved her. Her smile lit up the room and we will miss her so very much.
Great Sadness, Mrs. Hamm, who we met in 2001,…..moving to Covecrest…..I will never forget HER…
and Her Husband’s KINDNESS!!!!!!!…..sitting with me tru my husbands heart surgery in Gainesville…
SO KIND, SO BEAUTIFUL, WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT A BETTER WORLD!
Most Sincerely,
Joe and Ann
Maxine was truly a beautiful person both inside and outside. She radiated a joy that was contagious. Her strong love of family was reflected in both the memories she shared and the stories she told. She also told stories from her time as a teacher and you just knew she was a good teacher who loved children. Her life touched so many others. She will be missed by us all. ❤️ Janet
Dear Jerome,Our hearts go out to you in the loss of your beloved lady,Ed and Joyce Rand
Dear Jerome,Our hearts go out to you and your family in the loss of such a lady. Ed and Joyce Rand1
Dear Jerome and Family,
Maxine had the face of an angel. That beautiful face exemplified just what she was. She was one of the warmest and most loving people I have known. She accepted and loved everyone Just as God intended.
Maxine was a rare and precious gift to the world. We will miss her so…
Jerome and Family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your gracious Southern bride and mother who always exhibited a happy and caring spirit. We have many sweet memories of her while you all were at SFUMC. If Heaven has a big front porch with a swing, we know that Maxine and Momma are enjoying it with a cup of joy while rejoicing in a Choir of Angels!
I thinkagreay deal of your Mamm ad
I lost my best friend
my sweet mother-in-law. More like a sister to me. She accepted me into her beautiful family and loved me. Enjoy your folks in heaven. Love you Maxine
Dear Ann, Rick and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We are sorry we are unable to come but our prayers are being sent. Love you
Memories of Maxine Hamm
Marita and I have known Maxine and Pastor Jerome since 1990, when Pastor Jerome was appointed to serve as Pastor in charge at Northwoods United Methodist Church in Doraville, Georgia. Maxine was a very pleasant, warm and friendly person, who endeared herself in the hearts of all in our congregation. She never showed herself better than any other person and she treated everyone equally. She embraced the members of the African and Caribbean communities in the same way as those of North American descent.
One of the greatest memories of Maxine, however, is the graceful way in which she cared for her family – for Jerome, Felicia, Hans, Liana, and the grandchildren. It was the joy of family life that touched us all. There’s a closely knit family, sharing a very special love.
Quite undergirding the love that Maxine had for her family and for each of us was her love for Jesus. The joy of Christ radiated from her face and life, and she used her God-given gifts and talents in the life of the congregation and the community, including her gift of piano playing. Her testimony of faith in Jesus Christ assures us that she has a place in Christ’s Kingdom.
We pray very specially for all the Hamm, Partain and Smith families, relatives, grands and great grands alike, in Christ’s name.
Winston Worrell
Pastor, Northwoods United Methodist Church, Doraville, GA 30093, USA
David and I both were so very much saddened to hear that Maxine had passed. She and I were very good friends. We worked together with children at Northwoods UMC and I myself learned so much from her. We visited her home on top of the mountain that she so loved and we enjoyed that day so much. I was so honored to do several videos for her and Jerome while they were at Northwoods. I have so many thank you notes she wrote to me in my video memory book and that I treasure so much. She was a precious lady that will be missed.
The Whitfield family shares all of the above sentiments attributed to the memories of Maxine .Anna and I (Lawrence) were having breakfast 25 /02/ 21 when I brought up the subject about how long it has been since we heard anything of Rev. Hamm I decided to go online to make a search…that’s when we found out about Maxine’s death. I can remember our last being together was in May of 2006 when Jerome, Maxine, Anna and I met in Rome, Italy. Jerome and Maxine had flown in from the US, while Anna and I from the London, UK.We had a very pleasant week together exploring the Vatican and enjoying some tasty Italian seafood. Maxine will surely be missed.
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