Carolyn Hammel

Carolyn Sue Hammel, 78 years old, a resident of Crofton MD died March 10, 2022.

She was born on June 11, 1943 in Milan, TN to Rose Ross and Clifton Ross. Carolyn married Jerry Whitman in 1964 in Cheverly, MD. She was later divorced and married Gene Hammel in 1970 in Pasadena, CA. 

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Susan Hammel (Smith), Chevy Chase DC; her son Paul Hammel and her daughter-in-law Kerry Hammel, Arnold MD; her grandchildren Tyler, Logan and Jadyn Smith and her granddaughter-to-be Parker Hammel. She is predeceased by her former husband Gene Hammel and her parents Rose Ross and Clifton Ross.

Carolyn was a born entertainer, chosen as “Most Talented” in high school, with a known forte of singing and dancing. Carolyn worked with the Law Department, Comptroller of the Currency at the U.S. Treasury and was also a member of the American Guild of Variety Artists. She went on to entertain as artist professionally along with her 1st husband, Jerry Whitman, across the country and perform for military personnel during the war. Carolyn and Jerry also entertained on the Playboy circuit, starting at the first club in Chicago. Jerry continued his singing career, while Carolyn went on to explore her other passions in California eventually finding her true & forever love, Gene Hammel. They met in Los Angeles at work in the federal building. At that time, Carolyn worked for the Bank Examiners Office and Gene for the Government Accountability Office. Gene invited her into his office for a cup of coffee & immediately said “When are you gonna cook dinner for me?” Carolyn being coy but highly intrigued by this forward handsome fella simply replied “well Gene, that’s not happening”… then understanding the type of classy lady he was pursuing, instead he took her out for a proper 1st date. Six months later, they were wed in Gene’s apartment in LA in 1970.

Together, in 1972 they moved to Washington D.C. and began building a beautiful family. Their 1st born, a daughter, Susan Hammel was born on the couples 9th anniversary, in 1979. Their 2nd born, a son, Paul Hammel came 3 years later in 1982. 

While her children were young, Carolyn took joy in being a stay at home mother. As they became older, she obtained her real estate license in 1987. Carolyn quickly became successful listing and selling properties in Anne Arundel County, earning many distinguished awards. While she enjoyed being a realtor, she mostly appreciated the camaraderie and creating lifelong friendships with her coworkers. Carolyn continued working as a realtor up until 2009 when she retired to spend more time with her grandchildren including countless hours baking, playing board games, singing & dancing. Carolyn had a zest for bringing entertainment and music into every aspect of her life. Every topic of conversation was followed by a song that she remembered and would begin to sing. Every holiday was full of joy, laughter, music and dancing. When words fail - music speaks. Carolyn had a knack for livening up the room since her early childhood years. We are all so blessed to have known her and to have been an integral part of the adventure of her beautiful fulfilling life. 

We love you and miss your earthly presence dearly Carolyn, mom, grandma. God bless you and God guide you now and forever.