Ruthie Mae Hammond (Townsend) a.k.a. “Nana” was born to Hernando and Hannah Townsend on March 25, 1940 in Winona, MS. She attended Winona city schools where she excelled as a student.
Soon after she meet the love of her life, Otis Hammond while attending an evening out listening to jazz, he caught her eye while playing the saxophone. Courtship began, they later married and to their union 9 children were born. Not long after the birth of their fourth child Otis & Ruthie moved to Ohio where there were better job opportunities. They went on to have five more children once settled here in Akron. After raising her children Ruthie went on to go back to school and receive her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. After receiving her Bachelor’s she became licensed by the state to open her own in-home daycare. Her ambition led her to continue to climb the ladder and move into fostering children for Summit County. Ruthie did that for 20+ years. As she got a little older she still had love for children, so she went into a daycare Center working as a Foster grandmother part time. From there she retired to enjoy more family time with loved ones.
Ruthie has always been a woman of GOD and for that her children thank her for their introduction to the house of GOD.
Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents, Hernando and Hannah Townsend; ex-husband, Otis Hammond Sr.; grandsons, Andreas, Darnell and Santwan Hammond; granddaughters, Princess and Jazza Hammond; brothers, Valley T and Robert Earl Townsend; sisters, Annie Lee Spikenard and Earlene Townsend; brother in laws, George Spikenard Sr. and Elmo Davis Sr.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughters, Gwen Hammond, Shirley Blanks-Hammond of Akron, OH, Lynda Nation of Ft. Lauderdale Fl, Celestine and Cassandra Hammond, Marciea (Charlie) Murray and Jacky (Kenny) Millender; sons, Otis Jr. and Antwaine Sr all of Akron Oh; sisters, Dorothy Jackson, Willie Mae Townsend of Winona, MS and Annete (Robert) Gaines of Kilmichael, MS; special Brother in law, Mac Arthur (Emma) Hammond Winona,MS.
Ruthie was BLESSED beyond measure with 27 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Our beloved mother and grandmother lived a blessed life to see 5 generations created from her. She loved each and everyone the same (some may say they were her favorite lol) and always made us all feel unconditional love.
Ruthie also has many nieces, nephews, cousins (that may know her as Aunt Bob/Auntie Barbara) and extended family that she leaves to cherish her memories as well.
The family of Ruthie Mae wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting words, messages, visits, prayers, floral tributes and many other expressions of kindness. Thank you to all of her loved ones near and far that traveled to say see you later (never goodbye). A special thanks to Bishop Paramore, Pastor Rushing and United Baptist church family along with Sommerville Funeral Services for taking care of the Hammond family during this difficult time.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at United Baptist Church, 1007 S. Hawkins Ave. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow. Interment Greenlawn Cemetery.