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Josephine Ridemour Hammons, born May 14, 1915, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2006. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law. Josephine is survived by her sons, James Hammons, Jr. of Albuquerque and Joseph A. Hammons, and wife, Kimberly; and granddaughter, Alexandria Hammons of Wilmington, DE. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hammons, Sr. Josephine graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1934 and attained a degree in Music from the University of New Mexico in 1937. Her graduate work was extensive, taking place at UNM, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the University of Cincinnati, and the Westminster Choir School of Princeton. Josephine played for her first wedding at the age of 10 and for thousands more until the age of 78. She was also a staff organist at French Mortuary from 1950 until 1993. During the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, she played for radio and TV programs. During her lifetime, Josephine was also the organist at First Baptist Church in Albuquerque, as well as at the Reform Jewish Synagogue in Albuquerque and El Paso. During WWII, as the wife of Major James W. Hammons, Sr., she played for various churches. Josephine was honored as an outstanding UNM female graduate in the 1960s of Sigma Alpha Iota, music sorority. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2006, 1:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. Interment of cremated remains will occur at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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