Dian Shaylor Hammett

Dian Shaylor Hammett, 85, wife of the late Lamar G. Hammett, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023. Born February 11, 1938 in Camden, SC she was the daughter of the late Edward and Sadie Shaylor. She graduated from Camden High School and then Columbia College in 1960. Dian was crowned Miss Columbia College in 1958. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree, she went on to teach U.S. History and Geography at Bamberg, Dorman, and Georgetown High Schools. Dian began to study art as a hobby in the 70’s and began painting full time after 28 years of teaching. “Painting is what I do for fun. My hope is that you will find pleasure in my paintings as they remind you of something you have seen, a place you have been, or a feeling you have had.” She had a very fulfilling and successful career as an artist. Over time, pastel and watercolor realistic paintings had evolved into abstract and non-objective work. She was a member of the Southeastern Pastel Society, SC Watercolor Society, Georgetown Watercolor, Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild, Spartanburg Artists’ Guild, Charleston Art Guild, and the International Society of Experimental Artists. Her paintings have been included in dozens of shows and juried exhibitions. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Best in Show 1999 Harborwalk Show, Top Award SC State Fair 2000, and First Place in the Charleston Artists’ Guild Show 2021. Dian’s paintings can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Singapore. Dian is survived by her son, Eddie Hammett (Marcia Baker) and his children, Camille and Gunnar of Concord, NC; daughter, Leslie Westbrook (Terry) of Cross Hill, SC and their children, Amanda and Thomas of Gilbert, AZ; brother, John Shaylor (Linda) of Camden, SC; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 2:00pm on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, conducted by Rev. Joanne Hull. Visitation and a Celebration of Life will follow in the Bistro at Summit Hills, 110 Summit Hills Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Committal service will be 1:00pm on Friday, December 29, 2023 in Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201. The family requests memorial contribution be made in Dian’s honor to the Amy Whitaker Endowed Scholarship of Columbia College, https://www.columbiasc.edu/koala-community/alumni/give, or mail check made out to Columbia College, Attn: Office of Advancement, 1301 Columbia College Drive, Columbia, SC 29203, or to your favorite charity.