On Friday morning, May 12, 2023, Patricia Ann "Patty" Hammond of Marion and formerly of the Spring Branch Community of Nichols entered peacefully into eternal life at her daughter's home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Horry County on February 7, 1942, the daughter of the late Ellis Way Hammond and the late Lizzie Mae Small Hammond.

Patty grew up in the Spring Branch community and in her early years worked with her parents in their family business, Ellis Hammond Grocery. She learned the value of independence and hard work, and through the years had worked in the office at Ellis Meares Hardware and later at Loris Hospital.

Patty was a Godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and set an example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that will lead them all their lives. She faithfully and joyfully served in many capacities in the church. She started the Sunshine Singers and led the Adult Choir at Spring Branch Baptist Church for much of her adult life. After moving to Marion, she transferred her membership to Mullins First Baptist Church where she continued to worship God and grow in his glory. Patty was a soft-spoken and kind person who enjoyed spending time with her family, working in the yard, porch sitting, reading, and doing puzzles. Her family finds comfort in knowing that they will see her again, and that next time it will be in the presence of The Savior.

Patty is survived by three daughters, Beverly Collins Causey and her husband, Terry of Marion, Marsha Collins Hanna of Florence, and Sherry Collins Atkinson and her husband, Don of Ariel Crossroad in Mullins; the father of her children, Buddy Collins of Mullins; three grandchildren, Dustin Connor (Kelsey), Elisha Johnson (Lacey), and Mara Branham (Alex), and seven (soon-to-be eight) great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Spring Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Nichols with Reverend Robbie Baxley officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.

If you would like to remember Patty, the family suggests that donations in her memory be made to Mullins First Baptist Church Christian Life Center, P.O. Box 443, Mullins, South Carolina 29574 or to Crescent Hospice, 696 Medical Park Drive, Hartsville, South Carolina 29550.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Crescent Hospice for the loving care rendered to their mother during her illness.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com .

Meares Funeral Home of Mullins is honored to serve the family.