Lois Marie Hamm-Bales

Lois Marie Patterson-Hamm-Bales, Mrs. Bales, most commonly known as “Mary Lois” to all of her friends and relatives, passed from this life on July 2nd, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, the Rev. Leonard B. Hamm in 1991; her daughter, Patricia A. Hamm-Vaughan in 2003; son-in-law, Darrell Vaughan in 1993. She was married in 2003 to CM Sgt., USAF, Ret., Jim Bales. They were married for 7 years before his passing in 2010.

Mary Lois was born to Ruth Harris-Patterson and Rufus Patterson on February 9, 1925. She was born in Cheatham County at home. Her father passed when she was 11 months old. She was raised by her mother and step-father.

Mary Lois is survived by one son, Dr. L. Ronald Hamm and his wife, Diane, of Hermitage, TN. Dr. Hamm is a recently retired Pastor of Cedar Ridge Church; step-daughter, Ana Martinez and her husband, Isaac. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Regie Hamm and his wife, Yolanda, Lenny Hamm and his wife, Marla, Tina Vaughan-Hibbett and her husband, Thomas, Mason Lee Martinez and Matthew Martinez.

Her great grandchildren are, Tommy Hibbett, Evan Hibbett, Isabella Hamm, Gabriel Hamm, Brandon Hamm, Allison Hamm, Jonathan Hamm and Bailey Hamm.

Mary Lois served in ministry with her husband for four decades. She was an accomplished musician and singer. She had the privilege of appearing at the Ryman Auditorium during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. She and her husband, Leonard, pastored several churches in the State of Tennessee for the Church of God of Prophecy. Their last pastorate was the Church of God of Prophecy in East Nashville. It was during this tenure that her husband was taken by a stroke.

She is widely known across the United States as a singer and musician in revival crusades, youth camps and a noted speaker in women’s conferences. All who came under her influence will testify to her effectiveness and her compassion and unconditional love.

We wish to acknowledge all those who were her care-givers in the final years of her life: Jackie Key, LaQauantis Boynton, Jeff and Judy Urfer and JoAnna Haley. We further acknowledge the EMT Crews of Medic-One who transported her three times each week for Dialysis.

Visitation with the family will be from 2 until 7 pm Wednesday, July 5th, 2017 at Gallatin Church of God of Prophecy, 1415 East Broad St., Gallatin, TN 37066. A Celebration of Mary Lois's Life Service will follow at 7 pm with Dr. Ron Hamm officiating.

Arrangements by Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138. (615) 889-0361.