Benita Hammond

Benita South Hammond, age 67, passed away at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos on Monday, July 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Benita, a resident of San Marcos, was born June 22, 1957 in Los Angeles, California, to Harold and Nell South. She was delivered in the hospital elevator after her twin sister, Becky, who was born in the car in the hospital parking lot. The twin sisters remained close throughout their lives.

A kindhearted and caring soul, Benita never met a stranger. She welcomed all into her home and heart and generously helped anyone in need. The light she carried lit a room.

Benita loved children and ran a daycare in her home in Midland.

An avid bargain hunter, Benita frequently visited Wal-Mart and Goodwill, where she was beloved by staff at the two stores.

She collected miniatures, Precious Moments and Elvis memorabilia.

She also loved to crochet and play games with her family.

Benita married the love of her life, Marty Hammond, on March 9, 1996. They blended their families and, including their dating years, shared more than three decades together. Marty and Benita met in Snyder and relocated to Midland in 1995.

Benita was preceded in death by her grandson, Gage Powell, in 2012; her son-in-law, Jimmy Powell, in 2021; her father-in-law, Pete Hammond, in 2021; her mother-in-law, Violet Hammond, in 2013; her father, Harold South, in 1990; her sister-in-law, Cindy Hammond, in 2022.

She was also preceded in death by three siblings, Clinton South in 2019, Sue Freeman in 2005 and Darlene Price in 1999.

She is survived by her loving husband, Marty; children, Becky Powell, Mindy and Erik Hanson, Matt and Amy Hammond, Randi Jo and Ryan Braziel, Corven Hammond.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Aspen Powell, Evan Powell, Jaden Hernandez, Branson Hernandez, Corven Hammond, Zoe Garcia, Mason Hammond, Stetson Mills, Amber and Patrick Yates, Meranda and David Newsom, and Justine and CW Sullivan, as well as multiple great-grandchildren.

Benita is also survived by the following siblings and their spouses: Becky and James Price, Karla and Darold Malik, Ricky and Margaret South and
Clifton and Trisha South as well as her mother, Nell Blassingame, of Lubbock.

Her beloved dog Bear Bear is also left to mourn her passing.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel.