Louise "Biddy" Hammett

Louise “Biddy” Hammett , daughter of Louise Calhoun and Grover C. Barfield, Sr. Born September 18, 1929 went to be with the Lord November 25, 2022 surrounded by her loving daughters. Survived by her daughters, Constance “Connie” and Frances Hammett, by several nieces and nephews and very close cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Paul Lane Hammett, Jr., brother and sister: Grover C. Barfield (Sally) and sister Polly Barfield Smith (Ned N.) A member/covenant partner of Grace Presbyterian Church of Columbus, GA.

Proclaimed a Gracious Lady of Georgia in 1993, Louise (Biddy) Barfield Hammett was born into a southern family of historians where absorption and commitment for accurate southern history developed. Founder and first president of Ocfuskee Historical Society. Always preferring to be known as “Biddy”, a nickname given to her by her late brother, Grover, on the day she was born. Educated in the public schools of Columbus, Ga. Married the late Paul Lane Hammett, Jr. of LaGrange, and had two daughters, Constance “Connie” Hammett and Frances Hammett.

With a lifelong interest in preserving documents that preserve history, she initiated the Troup County Archives. A professional artist, teacher, teacher of art and history, as well as an avid historic preservationist, she returned to her native home of Columbus, Georgia, and became an honored chairman of Columbus Board of Historical and Architectural Review by striving to have Columbus become a Certified Local Government in Historic Preservation.

Author of five publications, including I Must Sing published by LaGrange College. She has been an active Christian, in Intercessory Prayer, which brought about the editing of notes made by her mother for the devotional book, Louise Barfield’s Tablet. A prayer warrior for many. A civic worker and an internationally recognized artist: Was one of four founders of Chattahoochee Valley Art Association and Museum. Her oil paintings hang through the United States, in the Government building at Zugdidi, Republic of Georgia, and in the Meijikan Museum at Kiryu, Japan. She is of the Alpha Gamma Delta, Gamma Delta Chapter, International sorority with a BS from Auburn University (API) with Post Graduate Masters equivalent in art from LaGrange College. She has been an active fifty year member of Daughters of the American Revolution, presently active as a member of Oglethorpe Chapter DAR, the 4th oldest chapter in Georgia. In that chapter she has received several national awards, among them the National Society’s unique singular annual medal for historic preservation, awarded annually to one person in the United States. Another award came for community service, to one person in the Southeastern USA, after being regent of LaGrange, Georgia NSDAR chapter as well as twice regent of the defunct Button Gwinnett Chapter NSDAR, of Columbus, Georgia. Coweta Chapter, National Sons of the American Revolution awarded her with the Mollie Pitcher medal, for her research and contributions toward the preservation and history of the victorious Kettle Creek Battle, the psychological turning point of the Revolutionary War in Georgia which is now an affiliated area of the US National Park Service. Numerous other accomplishments beyond being able to list.

Taught First Baptist Church Sunday School (LaGrange, GA) from Primary to College students approx. 30 years. Led missionary circles and prayer groups. And remained a constant prayer warrior to the end. No one was a stranger in her home. She loved all.

A Celebration of Louise "Biddy" Hammett's life will be held at Grace Church, 7211 Britton Dr. Columbus, GA 31904 on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 2:00 PM. A private family burial will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia on December 1, 2022.

Flowers will be accepted, but if one chooses to make a memorial donation, donations can be made to Grace Presbyterian Church Missions Team, P.O. Box 4747 Columbus, GA 31914-0747, or to The Salvation Army, or to Camp Viola, P.O. Box 716 LaGrange, GA 30241.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Hammett family.