Elma Jean Hambelton, 93

Funeral services for Elma Jean Hambelton, 93, were held May 4, 2026, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville. Burial was at the Patrick Cemetery.  

She was born Feb. 7, 1933, the daughter of Willie and Opal Friend.

On Aug. 23, 1952, she married Onard Hambelton. They spent 54 years in marriage until he preceded her in death on Oct. 11, 2006. Elma was a homemaker and worked at Baxter Lab for around 25 years. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids. She also liked to ride her four-wheeler, do garden and yard work, sew, make quilts, plant flowers, play board games, and card games with all her family.

She was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Smith Chapel Church of Christ for many years. Some advice Elma wanted to give the world was “Be forgiving and don’t give up.”

She is survived by four children: Nora Perry and husband Lonnie, Guy Hambelton and wife Doris, Floyd Hambelton and Paulean, Teresa Fare and husband Robert; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; lots of nieces and nephews; and two sisters, Ada Beard and Wanda Beard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Opal Friend; husband, Onard Hambelton; one son, David Hambelton; one daughter, Lisa Belt; one granddaughter, Sarah Perry; one sister, Lucile Donley; and three brothers: Buddy Friend, Tesley Friend, and Billy Friend.

Memorial contributions may be made to Patrick Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.