The Rev. Ester Garland Hammond was born in Downsville on Sept. 19, 1927, and departed this life on Dec. 22, 2017.

She is survived by three loving sons and three wonderful daughters-in-law, Herbert Talley Jr. and his wife Peggy, Randy Talley Sr. and his wife Theresa, and Derwin Talley and his wife Karen; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; one brother, William Garland; one sister-in-law, Mrs. William Garland; a number of loved nieces and nephews; a beloved “almost son,” Ronald Talley; and a much loved nephew, Johnny Miller who kept his aunt supplied with “goodies” and many loving friends who blessed her life.

Rev. Hammond reared her children in the Talley’s Chapel area, and then answered the call to the ministry in 1970. In 1971, she received the license to preach in the United Methodist Church. She attended SLU where she earned a BA degree in History, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1976. At SLU, she was a member and Chapter President of Pi Gammu Mu, member of Phi Kappa Phi, and received the Phi Alpha Theta Award. She also did community work, including the Bogalusa Playmakers and serving as a “Pink Lady.”

She is preceded in death by husband, Herbert Talley; husband, John Hammond; and a beloved granddaughter, Brandis Renee Talley.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home, beginning at 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. On Thursday morning, Dec. 28, services were held at 10 a.m. at the ESM United Methodist Church in Bogalusa. The interment service was held in the Talley’s Chapel Cemetery located in Sun.

Family and friends may visit and sign the online guestbook at www.brownmcgehee.com.