Mavis Rose (Hammock) Sizemore

Mavis R. Sizemore was born on April 15, 1923 to Clifford and Ruth (Gladden) Hammock in Laquey, MO. She was the second oldest of five children. Her brothers were William Jack Hammock, Samuel Hammock, Ted Hammock, and her sister was Maxine Turner. Mom attended school in Richland, but transferred to Waynesville where she graduated in 1941. She had a variety of jobs during these early years. She took care of a young boy that was sick, and she worked in a dress store in Waynesville. Mom always had a flare for clothing. She learned to sew from her grandmother who was considered an outstanding seamstress. Mom, throughout her life, was able to tailor men’s suits, create her own patterns; I was the fortunate recipient of her sewing talent. Mom met my dad while she was working in the dress store. Dad was from the mountains of Kentucky and joined the 101st Airborne paratroopers. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. As the story goes, dad saw her through the store window and after a time, he went in and asked her for a date. They didn’t date for very long, because they were married on March 3, 1942 in Rolla, MO. After they were married, dad was transferred to Colorado Springs, CO. My brother James was born while they were stationed in Colorado. James was born while dad was transferred to Georgia, where he received his training as a paratrooper. Eventually he entered WW ll. Tragically; my brother was killed on May 19, 1956 while we were stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, in Indiana. I was born on November 6, 1949 in Fort Knox, KY. While in the military, we were stationed in Tokyo, Japan. This is where mom took oil painting classes and learned to do portraits and landscapes. She became quit an accomplished artist. Mom enjoyed beautiful things. whether it was fabric, pictures, unusual jewelry, she had a flare for creation. We also lived in Caracas, Venezuela. Upon our return to the United States, the family lived in Falls Church, VA. where dad worked at the Pentagon. When dad finally retired we moved to Springfield, MO. where mom was able to work at Heers department store. Eventually, she struck out on her own and established a high-end retail store called the Surrey Place on the Plaza. She was an enormous success at style and business. Dad was a bookman for an educational book company and we moved to Corpus Christi, TX. After Cecilia devastated the coast mom and dad moved to San Antonio. Eventually, they moved back home to Laquey, MO. where they built a home on the old home place. Dad gardened, and mom dedicated her life to her three grandchildren. Her grand babies gave her such joy, and as she said many times, they kept her young at heart. Mom had a favorite saying from Eleanor Roosevelt, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present.” Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2009, at Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland with Father John Groner officiating. Escorts were provided by family and friends. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mavis Sizemore to Doctors Without Borders and left at the funeral home or with a family member. Online condolences may be sent to www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Mavis Rose (Hammock) Sizemore

April 15, 1923 - November 12, 2009