Sunelle Hammond's Obituary
Sue was the twelfth child born to Mary Clifford and Carl Sutherland in Winnsboro, Texas on December 2,
- She died peacefully in her sleep on July 18, 2024.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Grace Ann Peterson. She is preceded in death by her parents, her eleven brothers and sisters, her husband, Harry V. Hammond and son, Cragg S. Hammond. Her grandchildren Stuart (Clay) and Shelby were her absolute pride and joy. She is also survived by four great grandchildren.
She excelled in school from the time she began at the age of four and was the Junior Class President in high school, head drum major in the band and voted Most Beautiful. She received her diploma at the age of sixteen from Winnsboro High School in May of 1945 and was named the Valedictorian of her class. She attended the University of North Texas for one year.
Once moving to Dallas, she worked at a movie theater for a short time and was employed by a used car dealer for several years. She made headlines in 1951 when she became the first woman to obtain a license from the City of Dallas as the owner and operator of a used car business and opened Sue's Used Cars which she operated for many years.
She became a member of the Civil Air Patrol in 1952.
She began working at Merchants State Bank in 1967. She earned many certifications from organizations including the American Institute of Banking and Southwestern School of Banking at SMU. She was an active member of the National Association of Bank Women in which she served as Treasurer. During her time of employment, she received numerous promotions and held the title of Executive Vice President when she ended her tenure in 1987. She then opened her own small loan business which she operated until 1991.
Sue was an excellent bowler and played in a bowling league while at Merchants Bank and won many trophies. She also enjoyed playing slot machines, card games, crossword puzzles and horseback riding including trail rides. She had many pets over the years, dogs, cats, birds (including a pheasant), chickens, ducks, a goose, a rabbit, and her beloved horses.
Sue had many friends and was well loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
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