Barbourville, Ky. – Mary Lou Hammons, 80, passed away December 28, 2021. Mary Lou was the daughter of Cleda Helton born on October 17, 1941. Mary Lou was born and raised in Knox County, Kentucky. She lived her entire life surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Mary Lou owned the Riverview Market in Apple Grove and worked for Union College for many years. Mary Lou was devoted to her family, friends, community and to her church Faith Tabernacle.
Mary Lou Hammons embodied love. She was truly one of a kind; a gift to all who knew her. Mary Lou was a genuine person who loved others unconditionally, always seeing to the needs of others before her own. Mary Lou touched the lives of many with her vibrant personality and warm heart. Through her infinite compassion and kindness, she taught all those fortunate to know her what love is. Mary Lou will forever be remembered as the perfect example of true love.
In addition to her mother Cleda Helton, Mary Lou was preceded in death by husband S. J. Hammons; son Jimmy Lee Scalf; brothers Joe Helton and Walter Helton; and brother-in-law Bo Pike.
Left behind to mourn her passing are four siblings: brother Charles Helton of Barbourville, Kentucky; sisters Pat Helton Pike of Louisville, Kentucky, Carol Allen (Virgil) of Barbourville, Kentucky, and Wanda Smith (Ken) of Barbourville, Kentucky. Mary Lou is also survived by cherished friends Caitlin Mills, Claire Hedrick, and Will Dunaway, whom she helped raise like her own children working as a Nanny for their family. Mary Lou grew especially close to Will while caring for him over the years and often referred to him as her one and only love.
Services for Ms. Hammons will be on Monday, January 3, 2022, at Hopper Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the funeral Hour of 1:00 PM. The Reverend Duke Hammons will officiate assisted by Reverend Samuel Lawson with musical tributes performed by Joe and Britany Irving. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service in the Doolin-Tuggle Cemetery at Heidrick, Kentucky. Pallbearers are Bob Dunaway, Will Dunaway, Adam Smith, Michael Doolin, Tim Terrell, and Duke Hammons.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, our Directors, Mrs. Bonita Bingham Creech and Mr. Robin Reese, and our staff express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Mary Lou Hammons.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Mary Lou Hammons.
