Joan Haywood Hamer

GARNER-Joan Haywood Hamer, 84, joined the choir of angels singing in Heaven on July 26, 2015. Joan (pronounced “Joe – Ann”) was born in Rockingham, NC to Joseph and Hannah Haywood on June 14, 1931. She went to high school at Rockingham High School and attended Wake Forest University. Joan began a career in banking working alongside her father at Rockingham Savings & Loan. In December of 1950, she married John T. “Johnny” Hamer. Then in the early 60’s, Johnny and his bride decided to move their young family to Garner NC in order to pursue their careers. Joan secured a position at Raleigh Saving & Loan and rose to the rank of Branch Manager for the North Hills location. She later worked at Raleigh Federal in Garner as Branch Manager and ended her career at First Union. Finally, retiring from Wachovia after many years of assisting folks from her community obtain loans for purchasing their first homes. Joan was an active member of Garner United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and participated regularly in church activities. She was musically gifted and could play the piano by ear. Her talent and love for music often made her the life of the party wherever she went. Joan enjoyed watching movies and spending time with her family, especially on vacations. She was a loving, loyal and supportive daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. In her later years after retirement, she had a beloved pet dog named Choo Choo that brought her much joy. Visitation will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner on July 28, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The family will receive friends and family at the home of Joey Hamer located at 936 Harvest Point Dr. in Fuquay-Varina NC at other times. Funeral services will be held at Garner United Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 29th, 2015 at 11:00 am with Reverend Greg Jenks officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens on Highway 70 West in Clayton NC. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Hannah Haywood; her Husband, John T. Hamer; and her dog, Choo Choo. Joan is survived by sons John (Joey) J. Hamer and his wife, Genevieve of Fuquay-Varina, NC; and David A. Hamer of Clayton, NC; granddaughter, Hannah Hamer Pellas and her husband, Matt of Smithfield NC; grandson, Joseph Hamer and wife, Lindsey of Smithfield NC; and three great-grandchildren; Kamryn, Grover and Cardin and two additional great-grandchildren expected this to arrive later this year. She is also survived by two sisters; Jane Hinson of Seven Lakes, NC and Jeanette Roper of Smithfield, NC; many nieces and nephews; as well as extended family and a several special friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Garner United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 201 Methodist Drive, Garner NC 27529. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Transitions Hospice and Palliative Care Center on Trinity Road in Raleigh NC for their support and gentle care in her final days.