Villa Hammond, 93, of Gulfport went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Villa was born in Tallapoosa, GA on March 16, 1933. She was number seven of nine children. Shortly after she was born, the family moved to northeast Alabama where they settled on the family farm near Geraldine, AL. After high school, Villa worked for several years as a nurse’s aide at a small hospital in Albertville. It was there that she treated a man named Bobby Hammond who had just gotten out of the Navy. Bobby and Villa married a few months later and the rest, they say, is history. The epitome of soulmates, they were the perfect complement to each other. Villa was a homemaker who loved the simple pleasures in life. Sitting in the swing on her back porch was her favorite spot. She loved her family deeply and protected them fiercely. Villa enjoyed being involved in her grandchildren’s lives, and her great grands brought an extra sparkle to her eyes. Villa hosted family Sunday lunches almost every week where we enjoyed vegetables from their huge garden followed by cake with her famous homemade chocolate icing that we all loved. As the family grew over the years, these lunches were definitely a labor of love.

Villa was the last of her generation. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Izora Chandler, and all eight of her siblings; her loving husband of 56 years, Bobby Hammond, who we know greeted her with one of his silly songs and a giant bear hug. She probably squealed and asked if he had any chap stick to put on her lips. Then they walked off hand in hand so he could take her on a tour of their eternal home. We cannot wait to be reunited with them again.

Villa is survived by her daughter, Regina Langston and her husband, Lucky; her son, Tim Hammond and his wife, Dawn; grandchildren, Melanie Langston, Stephanie Tapp (Ryan), Justin Hammond and Tyler Hammond (Chelsea); great-grandsons, Riley Tapp, Hayden Tapp, Kipten Tapp, and Easton Hammond and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Villa was a member of New Hope Baptist Church for 60 years where, alongside her husband, she served in many roles. But our favorite role that she served in was being our Mema. She was one of a kind and there will never be another like her.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 27, 2026, at New Hope Baptist Church, 17430 Landon Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. Friends may visit one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, 8910 Carl Legett Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Gideons International at www.gideons.org or 16366 Herbage Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503.

Special thanks to Vital Caring Hospice nurse, Nicole, who provided such loving care to her and to us during her last days.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .