Dear Family/Friends,
My heart is broken as I share with you the tragic news of my mother’s passing. Rebecca Lynn (Hajek) Hampton died on Friday evening at 11:25PM, May 17, 2024, at the Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, IN, after a fast and fierce battle with metastatic cancer. She was a vibrant and happy woman, full of love and kindness, and was truly loved by everyone who knew her. She loved Jesus and everything beautiful in this world given to us by Him. She loved sunshine and being on the water (whether it be the pool, an ocean, a lake, or a river…she did not discriminate), Michelob Ultra in hand and surrounded by people she loved. She had a passion for gardening, and she worked hard for all that she had, going back to school and getting her college degree in her thirties. She had a decades long career as a Buyer at George Koch Sons and retired from there at age 65. She spent most of her adult life as a single mother of her only child, Michael (Annisa) Johns, whom she loved with abandon. She was married to Claude Johns early on, and later in life to Bradford Hampton (deceased), but neither man proved themselves worthy. She loved her two step-children, Theodore Hampton and Danielle (Tim) Edgar and always wished that she could see them and their children more often. Her grandchildren were her treasure (Alexis Walters, Michael Johns, Luke Johns, Caitlyn (Joey) Wallace, Jace Brinkman, Lucy Hampton, and Nadia & Zed Edgar), and she was further blessed with three great-granddaughters (Naomi, Estella, and Margot Wallace). She was preceded in death by her mother, Edna (Wilson) Light, her step-father Vincent Light, her father Daddy Ralph Hajek, her step-mother Mama Liz Hajek, her brother Mike Hajek, and her step-brothers Mike and Tim Stallins. She is survived by her siblings, Danny (Barb) Hajek, Debbie Bitter, Ted (Trudy) Weiss, Vicki (Sam) Fulton, Libby Dix, Chyrell Jameson, Lonna Downard, Denny (Cathy) Stallins, Mark (Emma) Stallins, and Patty (Bob) Summers, in addition to a multitude of amazing nieces and nephews. As we grieve her unexpected and untimely loss, I know she would simply ask that all of you live your lives with her kind of love, remembering that love is indeed patient, kind, and always perseveres. At her request, there will not be a traditional wake/showing, but we invite you all to join us at the Main Street Event Venue (315 N. Main St, Evansville) from 4pm to 10pm on Friday, June 7th, for a Celebration of her Life. Mission BBQ will provide food from 4pm to 7pm, and there will be an open bar for the duration of the event. Friends and family both are very welcome, and we sincerely hope to see you there.
With infinite love in my mother’s memory,
Michael
Debbie Bitter says
My Beautiful sister and my very best friend. she loved all of her family and Friends. She was so full of life and had so much energy. she always looked out for me being the younger sister.Her and I were inseparable.My heart is so broken.Until we meet again we will always be together. I love you,sis ❤️❤️❤️
Jason Brown says
Michael, you said it best just a couple of weeks ago while we were visiting your mom at her house, I was like her own little bastard son!
I have countless memories of her, Ree St, the levee, late nights with the stereo speakers in the windows, and so many more!
Always remember, that woman lived for you, her only son! She loved you like only a mother could, and you reciprocated every drop of love and affection she gave you! In all of the countless memories I do have, I don’t have a single one of you and her fussing at one another, or honestly ever seeing her angry or frustrated (unless it was at a man 😂).
The world lost a phenomenal soul when Mama Becky was called home, but we can all take solace in knowing that someday we will all be sitting with the speakers in the windows again as we sit outside the little gray trailer on Ree St. in eternity! (At least that’s how I see it).
Michael, I love you like a brother as you already know, and my heart hurts for the pain I know you feel. I’m a call away as you know, and to Mama Becky…I’ll see you soon, so save a lawn chair for me close to the windows! 🙏🏽❤️
Judith Johns says
Becky, my friend and sister (sister-in-law) of over 50 years. I dearly loved your smile, I don’t think I ever said that to you.
Our boys were born 11 days apart and they are more like brothers than cousins. Our families have remained close all our lives. Even though we didn’t see each other a lot lately, you are still precious to me. I love you and I’ll miss you.
Michael, you have my number if you ever need to talk. I’m here for you.
Judi
Krissy says
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Breaks my heart, she was such a wonderful woman. I worked with her at GKS and she was always there for me as a listening ear and helped me through some tough times as a young single mom. She was such a giving and caring person. We had some good times and shared many beers. She was sunshine in human form. I love you Rebecca, until we meet again sweet girl 🌸🍻
Julia says
My sweet Beck… My heart is broken. Since the first day we met at my young age of 22, Michael and I newlyweds, you embraced Alexis and I as your own. You were not only a friend, but also a mother, and remained so for all the year’s. So selfless, loving, understanding, and always accepting. I love you so much, I will miss you always, and will forever cherish the many memories.
To Michael… My heart is broken also for you. I have witnessed firsthand the closeness and love you shared with her. A continued love with Alexis, Michael, and Luke, her amazing grandchildren. May God guide you to a place of peace and comfort as you navigate your life moving forward. ❤️