Dale Hammond Navarrete

Dale Hammond Navarrete of Folly Beach, age 73, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026 at the Medical University of South Carolina. She was surrounded by family in her final days after a sudden stroke.

Born on February 19, 1953, in Anderson, South Carolina, Dale was the daughter of the late Dorothy Barnette Alexander and Raymond Hammond. She dedicated 45 years of her life working as a dental assistant, comforting hundreds of patients over the decades with her kindness and compassion.

Beyond her work, Dale was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. An avid member of the Folly Beach community, Dale was a friend to all and never met a stranger. She loved spending time with her friends at the Crab Shack, cheering on her Clemson Tigers, and participating in Folly Beach holiday traditions. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Dale loved spontaneous trips to the mountains, meals surrounded by her family, and days spent at the pool with her granddaughters. Even during her brief stay in the Intensive Care Unit, Dale's resilient spirit and profound impact of her life was felt deeply by her family and the MUSC medical team caring for her.

Dale is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Hammond; her sister, Arnetta Gale Hammond; her mother, Dorothy Barnette Alexander; and her aunt, Lurlene Barnette McCurley.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Raul Navarrete; her son, Edward Navarrete (Sarah); her daughter, Stacey Navarrete; her cousins, Koleta King and Jody McCurley; and her three granddaughters, Eliza, Madeline, and Mary Stuart Navarrete. Dale will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 10:00am at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412. Immediately following there will be a Celebration of Life at the James Island Yacht Club, 734 Wampler Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.