LINCOLNTON, GA. - Mrs. Thelma Walton Hammond, 98, beloved wife of 46 years to the late William A. "Bill" Hammond entered into rest on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at Knob Hill Assisted Living in Evans, GA. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2011 at Lincolnton Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Rosser and Rev. Jim McCullough officiating. Interment will be in Lincolnton City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Col. John W. Thompson, Hugh Alan "Al" Arthur, William H. "Bill" Arthur, Fred L. Neal II, Bryce A. Thompson, Layton Williams, Dr. Robert J. Williams and James Thomas "Tony" Williams, Jr. Mrs. Hammond was born and lived in Lincoln County prior to her residence at Knob Hill Assisted Living. She was the daughter of the late Ellis Jones Walton and the late Dove Turk Walton. Mrs. Hammond was the oldest member of Lincolnton Baptist Church having served in many capacities, a charter member of the Lincolnton Garden Club and a charter member of the Lions Club Auxillary. Survivors include two daughters, Hilda Neal Withers and husband, Phil of Augusta and Connie H. Arthur and husband, Hugh of Lincolnton; a sister, Mrs. Coyle Brown of Elberton, GA.; five grandchildren, Kathy T. Williams, Col. John W. Thompson, Fred L. Neal, Hugh A. Arthur II, and William H. Arthur and nine great grandchildren. Mrs. Hammond was also preceded in death by two brothers, Clanton Walton and Robert Walton. If so desired memorial contributions may be made to Lincolnton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Lincolnton, GA. 30817. You may sign the family's online guestbook at: www.rees-funeralhome.com. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service on Monday, November 28, 2011 at Rees Funeral Home, 195 Peachtree St., Lincolnton, GA. 706-359-3222.