Mary Evelyn Hampton

Mary Evelyn Hampton Montrose, CA Mary, 81, passed away earlier this year of natural causes. She was born in Breckenridge, Texas on February 6, 1928 to James Madison and Bernice Ann Walker. She spent a large part of her life growing up in New Mexico, where she met (Jesse) Howard Hampton in Albuquerque; they married in 1953. Howard preceded her in death in August 1997. Together they have three children – Jesse Steven Hampton of Oxnard,CA (daughter-in-law Kathi); Jeremy Stuart Hampton of Granada Hills, CA (daughter-in-law Elda); and Julie Ann Buzzelli of Montrose, CA. She was stepmother to two children from Howard’s previous marriage, James Courtney Hampton of Lometa, TX and Joseph Edward Hampton of MT. Joliette, TN (deceased). Of Mary’s three children she has four grandchildren, Brittany Hampton of Camarillo, CA; Alyson Hampton of Oxnard, CA; Jesse Hampton of Oxnard, CA; and Gabriel Buzzelli of Montrose, CA. Her father James Madison Walker was a well-known trainer of cutting horses and was also a Texas Ranger; he was also a 32-degree Mason. He was honored after death in the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, OK. Because of her father’s profession, Mary grew up learning the ways of the old west on cattle ranches – assisted in working the ranches and became quite a horsewoman. She had two siblings who both proceeded her in death; Barbara Jean Gorham of Paducah, TX; James Madison Walker of Amarillo, TX. After marrying Howard the two moved to California where they settled and raised their children. She always said she had grown into feeling like a native Californian because that’s where she lived longer than anywhere else in her life. She retired from GTE/Verizon in 1992 after 25 years, prior to that she worked alongside Howard as one of the first women estimators in Commercial construction. She enjoyed reading and was quite a writer in her younger years, even having some works published by Valley College in CA. She enjoyed knitting sweaters for her loved ones and created her own designs. Though small in stature Mary made an impression on everyone who met her with her sharp wit and quiet strength. She held herself with great integrity and was fearless in standing up for what was right. She touched many lives on her journey and was greatly loved by all who knew her. She was a good woman and loved the Lord. She instilled a strong faith in her children and grandchildren. Mary will be achingly missed by all who knew and loved her.