Nickicia Jackson

April 30, 2013

My prayers and love are with the family during this time of loss.

Lillian Thompson

April 29, 2013

Leslie, Bernard, Carmela,

I loved growing up with your Mother and Father. My Mother and Mrs Hamm were my politicsl mentors and great women of grace and dignity. I mention Mrs. Hamm because I want you to know that she was also a model for me growing up. I know she worked as a Secretary, I'm told, though her true role was as a strategist in our civil rights movement. I recall the focused and intense look on her face when it was time to get serious or to make a move. Our Mother's beauty, grace, quiet determination and strategic behavior to ensure the success of their children puts them at hero status.

Your Father I remember was this tall, fine (yes I can say that now, and thought it then as a very young kid) wonderful man who would walk down Cameron Street from work and we would run to catchup just to say hello and him (Mr. Hamm) and walk along until he got to the fence opened it and walked thru on the walkway into the house he designed (Frank Lloyd Wright influence?).

You were fortunate to have had parents who lived lives of great quality and caliber. I am happy for you that your parent's walk on this earth was one of accomplishment and success for their family and their community. We on Hall's Hill as friends and neighbors were truly blessed to have had Mr. and Mrs. Hamm to be apart of and influential in making our small community a quality place to live and grow-up. They made a difference. Blessings.

Light and Progress for their spirits. I shall never forget them. I apologize as I only imagine them as a couple!

Patricia Corbett

April 27, 2013

Carmela,

I am sending your family love and light. Your father's legacy lives.

Patricia Corbett

April 27, 2013

Our condolences to the whole family. Especially Niki, Rodney and his little family.
Sincerely, Cas, Naomi, Mark, Monte & Michele Lehmkuhler

Sharon Pelham

April 27, 2013

Dear Carmela and Family,

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your father was always a gentle giant of a man to me. I didn't have many opportunities to interact with him, but when I did, he was always encouraging. He always asked, without fail, how I was doing in school. I don't think any of us who grew up on Hall's Hill during the sixties can ever thank your parents enough for the good fight they fought on our behalf. We were able to reap the benefits of their sacrifice and hard work and I'll always appreciate it.

One of my fondest memories of your father are of seeing him working in your yard, his tall and lanky frame mowing the lawn during the summer. He would always give us a wave as we passed by. As my sister, Alison expressed so well, distance separates us, Mel, but know that we love you for life. Sending you a virtual hug until I can give you a real one. Blessings.

Julia & Jack Johnson

April 27, 2013

Bernard & Family
Your Dad was a great man and every body loved him, so as you go thru these difficult days ahead, just remember God let you'll keep your Dad for 96 years what a blessing.

Anjonette & Brittany McCallum

April 27, 2013

Rest in peace Uncle Les.

Reggie Lance Gardner

April 26, 2013

Bernard and Hamm family, both Janet and I wish you the best, at your moment of bereavement. We Pray!
R. Lance Gardner (Morgan Class of '67)

April 26, 2013

Ed- I read with sorrow the passing of your Dad. My thoughts & prayers are with you & I will say a special prayer tonight for you & your family. Whiting Chisman

John McCallum

April 26, 2013

Uncle Leslie will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you! We love you!
John, Brenda, Amber, Kisha, and Samaria