Funeral services were held at New Zion MB Church on October 23, 2015, for Mr. Donald Earnest Hammond. On October 15 Donald entered into his resting place in Hattiesburg, MS, at the age of 59.

Marshall Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Donald Earnest Hammond was born on February 12, 1956, to the late Burnis and Armettie Hammond. At an early age he joined New Zion Missionary Baptist Church and grew up in the Oakvale Community. He worked as an automobile mechanic before becoming disabled at an early age.

He was preceded in death by his father, Burnis Hammond; mother, Armettie Hammond; sister, Shirley Gholar; two brothers, James A. McClendon and James Henry Newton.

He is survived by two daughters, Teresa Hammond and Marie Hammond-Williams; son, Donald Hammond, Jr.; sister, Wanda Hammond; brother, Willie V. Hammond; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.