Beech Tree News Network

Zelma Lee Vaughn Hammers passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, May 20, 2021, at her residence in Bridgewood Gardens in Albertville, AL. She was born February 8, 1933, in Huntsville, Kentucky, to the late Osborn and Doxie Ferrell Vaughn. She married Owen Glendon Hammers in 1948. They lived just outside the Detroit city limits in Wayne County, MI, from 1950 until 1961. Owen was one of the earliest salesmen for the Fuller Brush Co. They resided in Indio, CA from 1961 until 1986 where Owen worked for the City of Indio Fire Department until his retirement. They then returned to the Huntsville community and built a new house. Unfortunately Owen passed away in December, 1988. Several years later at a dance she met retired teacher Thomas Bibb from Central City, KY, and they ended up spending more than a decade dancing through their golden years. During that time they were able to travel to Great Britain and several European cities. They also relocated to Panama City Beach, FL. After Tom’s passing in 2014 Zelma continued to reside there until she moved to AL in the spring of 2019. She left behind several wonderful friends and neighbors in FL— especially Ralph Sullivan, with whom she shared a wonderful mutt named Daisy Mae. In Albertville she leaves behind a wonderful staff at Bridgewood Gardens Assisted Living and special friend, Cecil Satterfield.

In addition to her husband Owen, Zelma Lee Hammers is preceded in death by siblings Mildred Wester, Barbara Drake and Walton Vaughn, along with all of Owen’s siblings—Teddy, Cody, Nat, Claude, Roy, and Bernie Mae.

Zelma is survived by her four sons: Dan (Christine) of Guntersville, AL; Jack (Susan) of Burns, TN; Roger (Chrissy) of Port Angeles, WA; Larry (Karen) of Duck River, TN; Grandchildren: John (Sheena) and great grandchildren Sean and Sophia; Robby (fiance’ Elayna); Rachel (Kris) and great granddaughters Hala and Etta; Caleb (Stephanie); Dallas (Tim) and great grandsons Kail and TJ; Aulora (Andrew) and great grandsons Cade and Carson; Amber (Stephen) and great grandchildren Dallas and Stevie.

Funeral services will be held at the Jones Funeral Chapel Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 2:00pm with Bro. Greg Fields officiating. Burial will be held in the Rochester Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 12:00 noon - 2:00pm immediately preceding the service. Please share any photos, memories, condolences or light a candle in memory of Zelma at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com. Jones Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the Zelma Hammers family.

The family suggests donations in Zelma’s honor to The Wounded Warrior Project or the Rochester Cemetery Board.