Frances Joann Hamer

Frances Joann Rudd-Hamer, 81, of Peoria, Illinois departed peacefully from this earthly rim into the glorious hands of God at 12:37 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home surrounded with so much love and adoration from her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Mother Frances was preceded in death by both of her parents, Elder Ruby M. Robinson and Samuel L. Rudd; Stepfather, Thomas Johnson; Maternal and Paternal Grandparents; Spouse, Claude W. Hamer along with their shared twins; Brother, Dale Rudd; Nephew, Vernon Johnson II, Grandson, Landon Hamer-Willis, and Great-Great Grandsons, Hayes and Hendrix Thomas.

Mother Frances was a woman of faith and imparted sacred values and guidance in each of her 6 children whom she leaves but will always surround them in spirit: Maria Hamer of Peoria, Marnita Johnson of Peoria, Anthony (Tracy) Hamer, Sr. of Atlanta, Nikki (Lanell) Reevey of Atlanta, Monica (Karl) Hamer-Taylor of Peoria, and Sharita (Sam) Hamer-Willis of Atlanta.

Frances, commonly known as Momma, Meme, Franny, and Red to 4 generations within her family held not only her beloved 6 children close to her heart, but she also held her 18 Grandchildren, 50 Great-Grandchildren, and 19 Great-Great Grandchildren very close to her heart. Meme truly cherished and loved her family so much. She has had open arms to not only her family but to friends, neighbors, the community and to so many others.

Meme was not only a mother, but she was also a best friend and sister to: Samuel Rudd, Deborah Graham, Thomas Johnson, Vernon (Gaye) Johnson, Todd Johnson, Chris (Roshawn) Johnson, and Tonya Barnes all of Peoria.

Our beloved Meme was saved at an early age and grew up at Mt. Zion Baptist Church better known as the “Rudd” family church. She later joined Blaine Street Church which is now known as Greater City of Refuge Cathedral of Worship with Bishop Timothy Criss. Along with instilling her faith, beliefs and core values in her children, she also instilled them to all her grandchildren.

Meme always had a calling on her life and purpose to care for the youth and help others elevate themselves. She was a dedicated Social Worker with Peoria Housing Authority at both Taft Homes and Warner Homes. Later extending her knowledge and experience working in the field with Lutheran Social Services striving to join and keep families together. Later to be promoted to their accounting office retiring after 15 years of dedicated services.

After retiring, she opened “Memes Day Care”, assisting young women with children so they can further their education and/or work. Frances always spoke and taught on the importance of education, determination, having a savings, style, and strong faith.

Frances Joann Rudd-Hamer was the epitome of a Phenomenal Woman! Always respected, loved, acknowledged, witty, beautiful, and so wise. She taught us what true love and sacrifice of oneself for the betterment of others looked like. By working multiple jobs while raising 6 children, a caregiver to so many others, working while attending school, serving the community, throwing down in the kitchen and continued to give grace and love to everyone.

May your strength and guidance forever live on with our family and every single life you have impacted. We will continue to make you proud Meme.

Job well done my good and faithful servant.

The Homegoing Service for Frances Joann Hamer will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Greater City of Refuge Cathedral of Worship with Bishop Timothy E. Criss, Officiating, with entombment to be held in Parkview Cemetery, Chapel of Peace Mausoleum following services. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria will oversee arrangements.

Repast shall be held at the Karl and Monica Hamer-Taylor home following the entombment.

Memorial donations may be made to Illinois Cancer Care and Center for Prevention of Abuse.

Online condolences may be shared with Frances' family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.