Ellen Basden Hamm

Mrs. Ellen Basden Hamm, age 89 of 2448 S. Alston Avenue went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 27, 2002. She was born in Kinston and had lived in Durham most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Hubert and Jessie Basden.

Mrs. Hamm was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church, formerly Alston Avenue Baptist Church. She graduated from Lowes Grove School and worked as a secretary in the operation room at Watts Hospital for many years. Mrs. Hamm was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was caring, thoughtful, hospitable, giving and was the matriarch of her large family. Mrs. Hamm was dedicated to her family, church, and community. Her life was admirable and one to be emulated. She was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Our loss is heaven’s gain. She was preceded in death by her son, John Hamm, Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, John J. Hamm, Sr., two sons; Doc Hamm and wife Nicky of New Bern, Jerry Hamm and wife Teri and Cary, two daughters; Virginia Wallace and husband Norman of N. Palm Beach, FL, Sandy Helms and husband Robert of Emerald Isle, daughter-in-law; Cathy Hamm of Snellville, GA, 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Ray Palmer officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Clell Hamm, Tim Wallace, Bill Green, Jay Hamm, Wayne Basden, Dale Basden, Larry Basden, and Alwin Basden.

The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home and other times at the home, 2448 S. Alston Ave. Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 2123 So Hi Drive, Durham, NC 27703 or Triangle Hospice, 1804 Martin Luther King Parkway, Durham, NC 27707.