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.
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.
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.
Mrs. Partain, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your 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
What a special loving lady. Your family has always been special to James and I. Our prayers are with you all
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.
Prayers to family and friends.
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
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.
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
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
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
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…
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
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.
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