Dian S. Hammett, 85, teacher became award-winning artist
January 4, 2024
Dian Shaylor Hammett of Spartanburg, an artist and former Georgetown resident, died Dec. 17. She was 85.
She was born Feb. 11, 1938, in Camden, the daughter of Edward and Sadie Shaylor. She graduated from Camden High School and, in 1960, Columbia College, where she was crowned Miss Columbia College in 1958. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she taught U.S. history and geography at Bamberg, Dorman and Georgetown high schools.
She was married to the late Lamar G. Hammett.
Mrs. Hammett began to study art as a hobby in the 1970s and began painting full time after 28 years of teaching. She once explained that “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.”
Over time, pastel and watercolor realistic paintings had evolved into abstract and non-objective work. She was a member of the Southeastern Pastel Society, S.C. Watercolor Society, Georgetown Watercolor Society, 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 at the 1999 Harborwalk Show, the top award at the S.C. State Fair in 2000 and first place in the Charleston Artists’ Guild Show in 2021.
Mrs. Hammett’s paintings can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Germany, Switzerland, France and Singapore.
She is survived by her son, Eddie Hammett (Marcia Baker) and his children, Camille and Gunnar, of Concord, N.C.; her daughter, Leslie Westbrook (Terry) of Cross Hill and their children, Amanda and Thomas of Gilbert, Ariz; her brother, John Shaylor (Linda) of Camden; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Dec. 28 at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg.
Memorials may be made to the Amy Whitaker Endowed Scholarship of Columbia College, Attn: Office of Advancement, 1301 Columbia College Dr., Columbia, SC 29203 (columbiasc.edu) or to the charity of your choice.
