For almost forty years, Kathryn worked as a hairdresser to men and women, a calling she carried out with steady hands and a gentle spirit. In her chair, people found more than a haircut—they found a kind-hearted presence, patient listening, and the quiet comfort of someone who cared. Her work was an everyday expression of devotion and selflessness, offered one person at a time.
Kathryn's and her husband's marriage of almost seventy-one years was a living example to their children how husbands and wives should adore each other. As a stay-at-home mom, she made family the center of everything, giving her time and heart without keeping score. Hers was the home in the neighborhood every child wanted to be at, and even today many adults still speak of her as their second mother—proof of how deeply her love reached beyond her own household. Kathryn was truly beloved and cherished, not for grand gestures, but for the faithful way she showed up, again and again, for the people who needed her.
Her care extended naturally into her church life, where she performed countless tasks for her congregation. Through “Room in the Inn,” she gave free haircuts to homeless men, offering dignity along with practical help. She often baked and prepared food for shut-ins, meeting needs with a tenderness that asked for nothing in return. Kathryn also had a deeply creative side: she was very artistic, creating beautiful paintings and ceramics, and she sewed dresses for her granddaughters—stitching love into the everyday moments they will remember for a lifetime.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, Henry Harrison Smith; her mother, Octa Viola (Dockery) Smith; her granddaughter, Candace Dedman; and her ten siblings.
She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Melvin D. Hammer; her children, Greg Hammer (Mary Jo), Karen Ethridge (Jimbo), Janet Harper (Lonnie), and Jeff Hammer (Amy); her grandchildren, Chelli Mosier (Eric), Caitlin Hammer (Joshua Gay), Allyson Rogers (Joseph), Ashley Cremins (Jon), Dallas Hammer, Kristen Meadows (Landon), and Garrett Hammer (Braylan); and her great-grandchildren, Will Dedman, Destiny Mosier, Blake Dedman, Journey Mosier, Maddox Mosier, Brooklyn Rogers, Joseph Rogers, Isla Hammer, Violet Gay, Carly Rogers, Wells Hammer, Olive Gay, Maddie Rogers, and Lawson Meadows. Florence also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, and special friends.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. On Friday, October 16, 2026, There will be a time of visitation at Hermitage United Methodist Church, 205 Belinda Drive, Hermitage, TN (615.883.3918) from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Kathryn's Life will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jimmy Hendricks officiating. Dallas Hammer, Garrett Hammer, Eric Mosier, Joe Rogers, Josh Gay, Landon Meadows, and Maddox Mosier will serve as Pallbearers.
Following the service, Kathryn will be laid to rest in the Garden of the Apostles at Hermitage Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Hammer family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.
