Patsy Jean Criswell-Hammett

Our loving mother, Patsy (Pat) Jean Criswell-Hammett, 84, slipped peacefully into the arms of her loving Lord Jesus the morning of April 15.

Patsy Jean was born on May 25, 1936 in Calumet, Okla., to Ival and Jewel Hunt. Her family moved to California in 1946 and settled in Taft, where she graduated from Taft College.

It was in Taft that she would meet the love of her life, Gerald Criswell. They were married for 39 years until his death in 1994. Pat found happiness again and married Dan Hammett. They were married for 23 years before his death.

Pat was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church for 55 years. Her greatest priorities in life were her relationship to her Lord Jesus Christ, her family, friends and pets. Many will remember her as the manager of the Department of Motor Vehicles, where she worked for 35 years. She was the first female driving instructor allowed to test behind the wheel in California.

Pat immensely enjoyed her friends at the Model T club. She loved the time she spent with Dan driving her 1926 Model T in parades, tours and at her church functions. She loved the ocean and spending time at her beach house in Oregon.

Pat delighted in planning family gatherings at her home. Easter and Christmas were the two bright spots of her year, along with her tradition of Hallmark ornaments. Family reunions were made possible because of her love of family for the past 40 years

She was a huge Generals football fan and never missed a child, grandchild or great-grandchild's game.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Ival and Jewel Hunt; sister Theresa (Kay); first husband Gerald (Jerry) Criswell; son David Gerald Criswell; late husband Dan Hammett; and granddaughters Natalie Perigo and Chloe Border. She was survived by Mike (Gail) Criswell, Donna "Elaine" Bishop, Linda (Bob) Perigo, Scott (Tammy) Criswell, stepdaughter Janice (Tom) McCurdy, stepson Tom Hammett, and Hunt brothers Don (Mara), Wyman (Sharon), Tom (Lynda), Doug (Pam), 27 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

Pat's life can be found in the verses of Proverbs 31. Her example of faithfulness and her relationship with Jesus Christ -- who can compare? We will miss her dearly and eternally love her. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile for it radiated the love of her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at her church, Freewill Baptist, 155 Redwood Drive, Shafter. We invite you to join us at her graveside service at the Shafter Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, April 24, at 10 a.m.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed" --Proverbs 31:28