Sandra Plunkett Hammett

Sandra Darleen Plunkett Hammett, age 81, of Dahlonega passed away on April 9th, 2025, following a brief illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma who is dearly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband of more than 53 years, James Larry Hammett, her parents Vernon & Geraldine Plunkett, brother Eddie Plunkett, sister Cathy Fox, son-in-law Ken Wood, and her black lab Doo-baby who loved and protected her for 15 years. She is survived by her daughters Kim Wood and Jenifer Cheaves (Anthony), sisters Nancy Withers and Patricia Skinner, and grandchildren Taylor (Justin), Matthew (Liza), Joy, Chris, Brennan (Ashley), Brad (Razshae), Joshua (Abby), Jessica (Josh), and Jared (Courtney), and great-grandchildren Andi, Briggs, Cole, Maddie, Abby, Conner, Colin, Chloe, Haleigh, Brantley, Paisley, Mattie, Maisie, and McKenzie, and was looking forward to meeting baby River James due in August.

Sandra grew up in Lithonia and Decatur, then moved to Stone Mountain where she raised her daughters. She worked in the Purchasing, Special Events and Training departments at Stone Mountain Park, and later retired to her dream home in the mountains of Dahlonega. Her family was her life, growing up as the oldest with three sisters, one brother, and too many cousins to count. She loved to plan events and never missed a family reunion. She made special occasions fun for her girls, and vacations were always with family. She loved playing with her flowers and watching the deer and birds in her backyard. Trout fishing, camping, going on picnics, and going to the beach were things she loved to do with her parents, siblings, children, and grandchildren. She was the best example for her family – always kind and generous, and even when confined to a wheelchair for the last few years, never complained. She loved well and let us know by words and actions.

Sandra loved Jesus, and was an active member at Glenhaven Baptist Church, Rowland Hills Baptist, and Rockbridge Road Baptist church. Over the years she was WMU director, Vacation Bible School director, GA and Acteens leader, and together with Larry were Youth Group chaperones on many adventures. Southern gospel music was her favorite and she never missed a practice session or performance of the Gospel Sound Quartet where her husband and mother were both members, and she made lifelong friends in their couples Maranatha Sunday School class at Rowland Hills.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:00 – 2:00 at Dahlonega Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm in the chapel. Burial and short graveside service will follow at Dahlonega Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to these organizations important to Sandra – Operation Christmas Child/Samaritan’s Purse or the American Heart Association.