Theresa A. Burton, mother of political activist Lawrence Hamm, died at Howard University Hospital in Washington DC on Thursday, May 18.

Ms. Burton was 87 years old at the time of her death. Theresa was a lifelong resident of Washington DC and was born there November 30, 1935.

Ms. Burton is survived by her son Lawrence, three grandchildren Laini Hamm, Nia Hamm-Clark, and Imani Hamm, and a great grandson Eli Clark, son of Nia and husband Jason Clark. She is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her funeral services will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023. The viewing will be held 9:00am-10:00am at Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20675. Phone (301)375-7855.

On that same day the Funeral Mass will take place 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 4590 St. Joseph Way, Pomfret, Maryland 20675. She will be buried at the church cemetery.

“Theresa and I met for the first time 25 years ago when I was 44 years old,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress, said.

“Twenty-Five years was not enough time. She was loved and will be missed,” Hamm added.

“I am glad she lived long enough so we could get to know each other. And I am glad she was able to meet her grandchildren and great grandson,” he said.

Standing together in the photo below are Lawrence Hamm (left) and Theresa A. Burton (Right). The photo was taken at the National Education Association Convention held in Washington DC in 2016 where Hamm received the NEA Human And Civil Rights Award. (Photo courtesy Lawrence Hamm)