Irene Shaw Hammer, age 94, of 917 Lee St., Asheboro died Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tom Benedict and Rev. Carl Dunker officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Memorial Park.

Mrs. Hammer was born in Randolph County to James Albert and Effie Jane Harvell Shaw. She was retired from Bost Neckwear. Irene was a member of Asheboro United Church of Christ, where she was a member of the Friendly Sunday School Class. In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband Diffie Shurman Hammer, son Donnie Hammer, sister Virginia, and brothers Ralph, Lloyd, and Colon. Irene enjoyed life to the fullest and loved her church, her flowers, and her garden. She had many friends and a great sense of humor.

She is survived by her daughter, Julia Hockett of Arlington, VA; daughter-in-law, Cerelda Hammer of Asheboro, NC; grandchildren, Sheila Hockett and her husband Edwin of Alexandria, VA, Karen Coates and her husband Steve of Alexandria, VA, Brian Hockett and his wife Margaret of Alexandria, VA, Suzanne Smith and her husband Jonathan of Franklinton, NC; great grandchildren, Emily Coates and Grady Smith; sisters, Grace Hurley of Asheboro, NC, Lucille Richardson of Asheboro, NC, and Dorothy Nance and her husband James of Asheboro, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of the Randolph Hospice House for the care and devotion given to Irene.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204-0009.