Inez “Fran” Frances Hammond, of Rising Sun, MD, age 93, passed away Friday, February 7, 2020. She was born in Onley, VA on February 13, 1926 to the late William Samuel Walker and Ernestine (Hargis) Plank.

Fran worked for DuPont for 30 years before her retirement. She was a member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary at Union Hospital where she worked in the “Good-as-New-Shop” and gift shop. Throughout her life, Fran was passionate about animals, especially cats, having volunteered with animal organizations to encourage people to spay and neuter their pets. Fran married her high school sweetheart, Lemuel Hammond. Fran and Lem traveled to 49 states and shared many dances during their 71 years together. She was a good cook, always well dressed and never met a stranger. Fran will be dearly missed by everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Fran is survived by her daughter, Gayle Slawter of Newtown Square, PA; sister-in-law, Patricia M. Rittenhouse and her husband, George of Hockessin, DE; sister-in-law, Barbara M. Lovett and her husband Douglas of Wilmington, DE; brother-in-law, Harold Hammond and his wife, Vicky of Elkton, MD as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years Lemuel Hammond; daughter, Lynn Hammond; brother, Frederick D. Walker and step-father, Homer Plank.

A celebration of Fran’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends my begin visiting at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the “American Heart Association” or “ASPCA” and sent in care of the funeral home.