Mary Lou Sarber Hamm

Mary Lou passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Friday, June 2, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving and devoted children. Mary Lou was born on November 21, 1928 in Okemah, Oklahoma, to her parents Fred Guy Sarber and Nola Mitchell Sarber. Her family moved to Wewoka, Oklahoma when she was nine months old. Mom spent her entire childhood in Wewoka before leaving for The University of Oklahoma. As a new freshman at OU, Mom pledged Delta Delta Delta, where she would eventually become president of the chapter. She remained active in Tri-Delt for many years. Upon graduating from The University of Oklahoma in 1950, with a B.S. in Education, she and several of her closest friends moved to Midland, Texas. Midland was experiencing a boom at the time and jobs were plentiful. Mom became a second grade teacher in the Midland Public Schools. However, her teaching career would be brief. A short time after arriving Midland, she met Richard (Dick) Hamm, who had also recently moved to Midland to work for Shell Oil Company. Within the year, they were engaged to marry. On June 8, 1951, Mary Lou and Dick married and they remained devoted to one another for 58 years until Dad passed away in 2010. Mom and Dad remained in Midland for 40 years, where they raised three sons and a daughter. Mom was active in Midland community service and served in the Midland Junior League, First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Tri-Delt Alumni Association, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and various school PTA’s. In 1987, Mom and Dad bought a lake home in Emerald Bay, a community on the shores of Lake Palestine in East Texas. Just a few years later, they bought a ranch outside of Frankston, Texas. They adjusted quickly to the beautiful countryside of East Texas. Mom and Dad would split time between Midland and East Texas for a few years until they moved permanently to Emerald Bay. They loved living on the lake, and would enjoy the serenity of East Texas for many years. Living in East Texas meant they were closer to their children and grandchildren, and they enjoyed being with their family. But Mom and Dad also enjoyed traveling the world. Mom was always ready to go on whatever trip Dad had in mind. It wasn’t always what Mom had in mind, but they would plan the trip together, nonetheless, and always enjoyed experiencing different parts of the world. Mom had a green thumb like no other. She seemed happiest when her hands were in her gardens. She had a great knowledge of flowers and plants. When Mom wasn’t gardening, she was playing Mah Jongg. Mom started playing Mah Jongg with a group of women at Emerald Bay and remained interested in the game for many years. In 2007, Mom and Dad moved to Edgemere, a retirement community in Dallas. They enjoyed meeting new friends and being even closer to family. After Dad’s passing, Mom would tell us that moving to Edgemere was a good decision, and she was grateful for her many friends there. Mary Lou Sarber Hamm was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Mom had a deep and abiding faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. She was active in every church she belonged – most recently the Edgemere Chapel. II Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Mary Lou Sarber Hamm was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Berry Hamm; mother and father, Fred Guy Sarber and Nola Mitchell Sarber; Warren J. Sarber; Doris Sarber Adcock; and Donald G. Sarber. She is survived by her son Richard Berry Hamm, Jr. and his wife Regina of Dallas; her daughter Mary Kathryn Jenke and her husband Virgil of Dallas; her son William Frederick Hamm and his wife Madeline of Dallas; her son Robert Matthew Hamm and his wife Judy of Tyler; nine grandchildren: Philip Hamm and his wife Banner, Marsha Hamm Bell and her husband Blake, Sarah Hamm Arnold and her husband Kevin, Paul Jenke and his wife Amy, Amy Abney, Patrick Jenke and his wife Esther, Eleanor Hamm, Mary Claire Hamm, and Margaret Hamm; seven great-grandchildren: Carter and Kendall Jenke; Mary Grace, Caroline, and Charlie Abney; Savannah and Emily Bell; and numerous nephews and nieces. Our family wants to thank the many care givers, friends, and loved ones that touched our mother’s heart. We are grateful for the love and kindness she received. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.