Carole Ann Hammond

FELTON – Carole Ann Hammond (Wright), 81, of Felton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 5, 1943, in Milford, Delaware, Carole was the beloved daughter of the late Edward and Marie Wright.

Carole graduated from Felton High School in 1961, where she met the love of her life, Dale. The two shared a beautiful marriage of 48 years until Dale's passing in August 2009. Their bond was inseparable; wherever one was, the other was never far behind.  Their love was evident to all who knew them.

Carole had a varied and fulfilling career. She worked in several roles for the state of Delaware, including positions with the Commissioner of Elections and the Delaware Lottery. However, she found her true calling at the Lake Forest School District, where she served as a receptionist and secretary for many years until her retirement. Her dedication and warm personality made her a cherished member of the Lake Forest community.

As a lifelong resident of Felton, Carole was well known and loved by everyone in town.  Carole was a devoted member of the Felton-Viola United Methodist Church and was actively involved in many church activities throughout the years.

Carole cherished her time at the beach, and for many years, the Hammond family could be found enjoying the first two weeks of August in Bethany Beach, Delaware. After Dale passed, Carole continued the annual beach tradition in Ocean City, Maryland. Carole was an avid sports enthusiast throughout her entire life. She played basketball in high school and played tennis several times week as her boys grew up.  She was a dedicated supporter of her sons' and granddaughters’ sporting events, and always had a sporting event on the television.   Carole was also an avid collector of Longaberger baskets and Cat’s Meow Village replicas, which she lovingly displayed throughout her home. Her artistic hobbies began with liquid embroidery using Artex and TriChem paints in the 1970s and 80s and later evolved into a passion for counted cross-stitch. Carole also enjoyed crocheting and knitting and spending time weekly with her “Crafty Ladies” group.

One of Carole’s unique traditions was wrapping a leafless cherry tree with white cotton each December, creating a beautiful and admired Christmas tree for over 50 years.

Her greatest joy, however, was her three granddaughters—Casey, Brianna and Kylie. Carole was a constant presence at their sporting events, school activities and community gatherings, always cheering them on and offering unwavering support. Even in her later years, she attended these events on her scooter, remaining a steadfast figure in their lives.  Of all her accomplishments in life, she would most want to be remembered as a proud Mom-Mom.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Edward Wright, and her beloved husband, Dale Hammond. She is survived by her three sons, Duane Hammond (Janet), Darren Hammond and Drew Hammond (Tim); her cherished granddaughters, Casey, Brianna and Kylie; her goddaughter, Karen Williams (Brett); her sister, Joan Bishop (Jesse); her brother, Denny Wright (Gina); her bonus son, Bruce Mosley; four granddogs, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many close friends.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE, from 5-7 pm.  Funeral services will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11 am at Melvin Funeral Home, with a brief visitation for one hour prior.  Interment will immediately follow at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery in Frederica, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carole’s memory to the Felton-Viola United Methodist Church, 101 East Main Street, Felton, DE 19943.