Lela J. Hamner, 92, of San Angelo, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Candy and Tim Worley. Momma was born Nov. 29, 1920, in Ballinger, Texas, to Sam and Polly Jackson. She grew up on a farm near Paint Rock, Texas, with her parents, sisters and one brother. She loved telling stories about growing up on the farm. Once she left the farm, she married her first husband and together they traveled to 32 states during World War II. Her husband was an electrical contractor for the government and while they were in California she learned how to weld ships. She was a "Rosie the Riveter" from the Greatest Generation. After the death of her first husband she began a career in sales of women's clothing. She developed a love for stylish and fashionable clothing for women and worked at two of the most popular stores in San Angelo, Barnes & Co. and Hemphill Wells. After many years of working in sales she got the opportunity to own and manage Caddo Laundry. Although she enjoyed owning Caddo Laundry, her love of stylish clothing remained strong which led her to opening her own women's clothing store, "Fashions by Lela." After retiring from working full-time she continued working part-time at Lois's Smart Shop. While she was working at Barnes & Co. she met her second husband. After spending many years together they became the parents of a daughter, Candy Hamner Worley. She was the most loving, caring, giving, thoughtful and affectionate Momma, Mamaw, sister, aunt and friend that anyone could ever wish for. She had a love for fashion but her love for the Lord Jesus Christ and her family was stronger. The day her grandson, Lane Carter, was born was one of the happiest days of her life. She cherished every minute she had with him. Every school activity, every baseball game and track meet she was there watching and cheering with pride and love. She showed her love for her family and others by not only telling them how much she loved them but also showing her love through her actions. She would do things for the people she loved "just because she loved you." Momma was always there when any of her family or friends needed her. A place to stay, a hot meal, a hug and a kiss, a shoulder to cry on and advice that was never wrong. She had a tireless work ethic and never waited for someone else to do a task. Momma put others before herself so others would have what they needed. She would tell everyone about her love for Jesus and what he had done for her and how he had blessed her through the years. She was a member of College Hills Baptist Church for many years. She was known for being straightforward and would tell you the honest truth. She was not one to mince words or hold a grudge. She would tell you "how the cow ate the cabbage" and then hug your neck and tell you how much she loved you. Proverbs 15:31,32 and Proverbs 29:1. She had five sisters and one brother who all preceded her in death along with her parents. Three nephews and one niece also preceded her in death. She had a special bond with her brother, Melton Jackson, and her sister, Velma Mielke. They both came to live with Momma when they left the farm to finish high school. They remained very close until the Lord called them both home. Momma experienced a loss as if she had lost a child as well as a sibling. She talked of Aunt Velma often and missed her dearly. Her daughter and son-in-law, Candy and Tim Worley, along with her grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Lane and Paige Carter and three stepgrandchildren, Roanna Murray and husband Shawn, Nikki Worley and husband Dave and Tim Worley Jr., whom she loved as her own will cherish her memory. She also had numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved and was very close to, as if she was their second Momma. She liked to see people dressed neat and stylish, a clean house, a pretty yard and a good home-cooked meal. She was known for her red beans, fried catfish, broiled steaks, love for pumpkin pie and silly sense of humor. She would always "fix her face and hair" every day and took pride in her dress and appearance. She disliked sloppy dressers, laziness and cats.

.Published in GoSanAngelo from April 5 to April 7, 2013