April 26th 1923 – July 4th 2013
Florence Elizabeth Williams was born in Monrovia, California on April 26, 1923 to Admiral and Mrs. Charles David Williams. She was graduated from George Washington University with a degree in psychology, and went on to marry Dr. George Denman Hammond, becoming his lifelong partner and sweetheart during their marriage of 67 years.
Polly Hammond-affectionately known as “Grolly” (Grandma Polly) by her grandchildren, thrived on volunteerism and community service. For decades she was a member of the women’s auxiliary for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, tirelessly committed to serving children in the community. In addition she played an active part in the USC Medical Faculty Wives & Friends of the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, where she was instrumental in supporting her husband’s development of the USC Norris Cancer Hospital.
Polly was an example of kindness and selflessness not only to her family, but of everyone around her and her feisty and playful spirit will long live in the memory of her family and all who knew and loved her.
She was a devoted mother, and an inspirational and playful grandmother and great- grandmother.
Growing up the child of a Naval family, love of travel was a life-long passion, which she and Denny pursued vivaciously, visiting 47 countries throughout their lives. Her wanderlust never tired, even after celebrating her 90th birthday she had just returned from a relaxing week in Cabo San Lucas Mexico with her family.
Polly is survived by her loving husband George Denman Hammond, her sister Jeanne Marie Clark, her brother Charles David Williams III, her children Lane Elizabeth Hammond Clark, Bruce Benedict Hammond, Kirk Denman Hammond, her eight grandchildren Asa Inayat Hammond, Bryce Denman Hammond, Aren Daniel Hammond, Logan Elizabeth Clark, Mira Elise Hammond, Anderson Taylor Clark, Holland Christiana Dougherty and Emily Mae Hammond as well as her great grandson Kai James Archaelus Hammond. She is preceded in death by her son Christopher Scott Hammond.
Polly passed away peacefully in her Santa Barbara apartment, late evening on July 4th following a lovely holiday barbeque at Samarkand Retirement Community, where she has enjoyed the past 5 years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in her name to the cancer program at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles: Attention: Robert Weiner, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset #29, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.
