Barbara Hammett Fortson

Augusta, GA – Barbara Hammett Fortson, 89, loving wife of 67 years to Lombard Fortson, Jr., passed away peacefully at her residence surrounded by her family and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 25, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph P. Hammett and Anna P. Hammett.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Storey Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Augusta with Dr. Rodger Murchison and Dr. Will Dyer officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Westover Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the Storey Chapel one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Brayden Lombard Fortson, Garrett Benjamin Fortson, and Chandler Lloyd Williamson.

Barbara was born on October 19, 1936 in Spartanburg, SC. Her family moved to Augusta when she was six years old. She attended William Robinson Elementary School and graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1955, where she met the love of her life. Barbara attended the Junior College of Augusta for two years before moving to Charleston, SC where Lombard was stationed at the Naval Hospital. She worked for the C&S National Bank of SC as a teller, later returning to Augusta when Lombard was transferred to California. She was employed by The First National Bank of Augusta, becoming the first “drive-in” teller at a branch office in Augusta. When Lombard was discharged from the service, she became a homemaker while raising their three children.

In 1982, she returned to college to pursue her life-long dream of teaching kindergarten and received her BA degree from Augusta College in Early Childhood Education, becoming certified K-4, and teaching kindergarten at Southside Elementary School for 22 years. She was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1989. Barbara’s deep love for teaching young children was rewarded in accepting a kindergarten position at Southside, giving her the opportunity to get kids off to a good start with school and creating in them a love for learning. Many years later, after she retired from teaching, former students would see their teacher and mentor and greet her with bear hugs and broad smiles, while introducing their children to the teacher who meant so much to them.

Most important in Barbara’s life was her church and family, and she taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church for over 35 years; was a member of the WMU; taught Vacation Bible School for many years; and volunteered her service on numerous Church committees her entire adult life. Service to others began early in Barbara’s life when, as a senior in high school, representing First Baptist Church, she worked as a counselor at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly in North Carolina. While attending Junior College in 1956 and 1957, she spent both summers traveling by train and bus to Oklahoma as a summer missionary with the Baptist Home Mission Board, where she taught Choctaw and Seminole Indian teens about God’s love through Bible study and fellowship, in their homes as well as in their churches.

In raising her three children, Barbara was a homemaker for some fifteen years before returning to college and beginning her teaching career. She was an astute Bridge player, having been a member of the Tacky Bridge Club for over 64 years, as well as playing with numerous other friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the fellowship of friends as a member of her Book Club for many years. But when it came to family, there was nothing more important to her nor was there anything she would not do for them. She was a wonderful cook, especially for birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmas dinners, and numerous other special occasions; favorite requests never fell on deaf ears. The family vacationed together at the Isle of Palms for many years and later at Fripp Island, where many happy memories with her children and grandchildren were formed. Barbara was always a magnet to children, whether on her own, in the classroom, or in the neighborhood; they simply were drawn to her open arms and happy personality.

Mourning deeply her passing are her children: Jennifer Fortson Josey of Augusta, Lombard Fortson III (Katherine) of Augusta; and Caroline Fortson Williamson (Michael) of Martinez. Also grieving their loving Gram, as she was affectionately called, are her grandchildren: Haley Bene’ Fortson, Brayden Lombard Fortson, Margaret Anne Fortson, Garrett Benjamin Fortson, and Chandler Lloyd Williamson. Though deeply saddened by her passing, they will forever remember their Gram as a loving and doting grandmother. She is also survived by a brother: Douglas P. Hammett of Atlanta, GA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

If so desired, please consider a gift to the Missions Ministry at First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way Extension, Augusta, GA 30909.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.