Selma L. Hamer (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Selma Leuda Reese Hamer, daughter of George Elijah and Myrtle Elizabeth Culpepper Reese, was born May 14, 1924, in Teresita, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, October 19, 2018, in her home, in Eminence, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, five months, and five days.
On October 18, 1945, she was united in marriage to Lloyd Leroy Hamer, and to this union two daughters were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd, on November 11, 2008; three brothers, George Reese, Thomas “Doc” Reese, and Wade Reese; and four sisters, Emma Caudell, Esther Carlson, Lura Yates, and Hazel Ball.
Selma is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Hunt, and her husband, Richard, of Eminence, Missouri, and Diane Giese, and her husband, Ken, of Rock Wall, Texas; four grandchildren, Jennifer Hunt, Justin Hunt, Ben Doolin, and Abby Vrba; five great-grandchildren, Milo Hunt, Bradley Hunt, Luke Doolin, Audrey Doolin, and Rudy Vrba; several nieces and nephews; her little dog, Maggie; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born the youngest of eight children, and was raised in the Tersita and Mountain View area. She then graduated from Mountain View High School. During World War II, Selma worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at a bomber plant in Kansas City, Missouri. After she and Lloyd were married, they made their home in Elyria, Ohio, and Decatur, Illinois before moving to Lebanon, Missouri, in 1961. Selma was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, and also worked part time at Waterman’s Clothing Store. She and Lloyd enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and numerous bricks for the Lebanon Veteran’s Memorial. Following Lloyd’s passing in 2008, she made her home in Eminence, Missouri, where she made many new friends.
Selma was an active member of Lebanon First United Methodist Church and was active in the Alma Nixon Circle among other church activities. After moving to Eminence, Selma became a member of Eminence United Methodist Church and had also attended Jacks Fork Country Church.
She and Lloyd were able to travel all over the United States from the east coast to the west coast and visited family and friends during their travels. She also liked cooking, crocheting, and music. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Selma was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her ninety-four years.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Mountain View Health Center Rehabilitation Unit and the compassionate staff of Hospice Compassus.
Memorial contributions to the Eminence United Methodist Church, may be left at the funeral home.
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