Mary Lou Hamby

Mary Lou Hamby, 78, of Athens, Georgia, died on March 8, 2026. Born on April 25, 1947, in Athens, she was the daughter of the late Welton Cleveland and Dora Lou Finger Damron.

Mary dedicated more than five decades of service to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. She began her career in 1975 and retired in 2006 after serving as Clerk of Municipal Court, known for her professionalism and deep commitment to public service. Following retirement, she continued her passion for community by joining the Athens-Clarke County Police Department as Volunteer Coordinator for Community Outreach in the Community Oriented Policing Unit. Under her leadership, ACCPD volunteers contributed more than 55,000 hours of service, valued at over $1.5 million. This year marked 20 years with the police department and a remarkable 52 years of total service to Athens-Clarke County.

Affectionately known as “Ms. Mary,” she was the heart of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, embodying service, compassion, and community in all she did.

She is survived by her children, Kimberly (Jim) Ingram and Holly (Chris) Green; four grandchildren, Brad (Katy) Ingram, Jennifer (Michael) Tate, Garrett (Jordan) Green and Kendall (Daylon) Bowen; and six great-grandchildren, M.J. Tate, Miles Tate, Malachi Tate, Maverick Tate, Peyton Green and Emma Green.