I Am Always With You When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn t tie yourselfto me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, ifgrieve you must Then let your griefbe comforted by trust That it is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I wont be far away for life goes on. And ifyou need me, call and I will come. Though you can t see or touch me, I will be near And ifyou listen with your heart, you 'll hear All my love around you soft and clear And then, when you come this way alone, I 'll greet you with a smile and a a Welcome Home " Unknown Flower Bearers Family Friends Pallbearers Family Friends Acknowledgements The family is deeply appreciative for the numerous expressions ofsympathy and acts ofkindness extended during the passing ofour loved one. Your prayers and thoughtfulness have been a source of strength and inspiration. The Family A repast will follow immediately after the Interment at Wildwood Community Center 405 Fairburn Road, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30331 A Celebration of Life for Mr. Melvin Richard Hammonds Monday, July 27, 2009 11:00 a.m. Mount Ephraim Baptist Church 1202 West Marietta Street, N. W. Atlanta, Georgia Dr. R. L. White, Jr., Pastor Officiating Obituary Order ofService Melvin Richard Ham1nonds was the voungest of n~o sons born, May 12, 1943 to ~he late William Asia Hammonds and Mattie Grace Ham1nonds. He was involved in church 1t an early age attending Sunday School at Wylie Memorial Methodist church. Later in life ~e affilated with Mount Ephraim Baptist r::hurch along with his -vvife Verlena. His education began at Davis Street elementary School. Upon finishing elementary rschool, he graduated from Booker T "fVashington High School in the class of 1961. As a youngster growing up, Melvin was a member of the boys and Girls Club where he thoroughly enjoyed participating in the activites. He won several awards for participating in basketball. His hobbies included fishing and play ing bid whist. Melvin was married to Verlena Jackson. He was a loving and devoted husband and fathe r. He was enzployed at Packaging Corporation ofamerica and retired ajter more than 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Verlena, daughters, Sabrina Hammonds, Chrishonta (Tirnothy) Blige, James Jackson, Kendell (Pamela) Jackson, brother, William Asia (Catherine) Hammonds, aunt, Serlena Hanzmonds, father-in-law, Frank Jackson, six (6 ) grandchildren, nieces, nephews, counsins from the Coach1nan, Gantt, Lawson, Hammonds and Rey nolds fa1nilies. Musical Prelude Processional llytnn ............... .. .................................... ................. ............ ............ . Scripture Old Testament.. ........................................ .. New Testament.. .......................... ........... ... . PrCI)l(!r....... ...... ....... .............. ............................... ....................... .. ... . Reflections (2 minutes) Mrs. Mary Johnson-- Family Friend Mr. James Stewart-- Family &Jng .... ... .... .. ..... .. ........ ..... ............. ..................... ....... ....................... . Obituary (Read Silently)....... ... ..... ...... ... Soft Music Eulogy.. .. ... .. .. ........... ... .. .. .......... Dr. R. L. White, Jr. Acknowledgements........ ... ... Mrs. Juanita Hatcher Recessional 9nfermenf Lakeside Memorial Garden 7780 Ono Road- Palmetto, Georgia Until We Meet Again