Joe Hamilton

In the early morning hours of April 26th, 2010, Joe Louis Hamilton passed on from life in his earthly home to an eternal home in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann Maxwell Hamilton and his eldest son, Dennis Louis Hamilton. Joe was born on September 8th, 1937 in Jefferson, North Carolina to the late Lennie Hamilton and Mamie Reeves Hamilton of Jefferson, North Carolina. One of 10 children, Joe is survived by his brother Carl Hamilton of Jefferson and his sister Myrtle Garrett of West Jefferson. His brothers J.C., Robert and Garfield, and his sisters Hazel, Inez, Martha and Helen all preceded him in death. During his life Joe was an active, faithful member and deacon of St. John's Baptist Church in Jefferson, North Carolina. He dedicated 25 years of work to Tyson Foods as a processor. Among his free time, Joe was a committed fan to the Dallas Cowboys for several years watching games alongside his children and relatives. Joe also enjoyed the outdoor sports of hunting and fishing in the county. Joe loved his 5 children, Dennis, Reggie, Lisa, Anthony and Tina, dearly raised them with a devout spiritual guidance. When their mother Shirley passed in 1991 and their eldest brother Dennis passed in 2003, Joe led his family through both tragedies in a manner of faith, support and continued closeness. He leaves his remaining four children with several memories of what it means to be a family. When it came to Joe's thirteen grandchildren, seven granddaughters and six grandsons, it was a matter of pure joy in one's life to see. Papaw Joe, as they lovingly called him, could often be heard chuckling along with the sounds of his grandchildren's laughter as they played among his home and yard. Joe leaves to cherish his memory his brother Carl Hamilton of Jefferson; his sister Myrtle Garrett of West Jefferson; his son Reggie Hamilton and wife Greta of Wilkesboro; his daughter Lisa Smith on Winston-Salem; his son Anthony Hamilton of Jefferson; his daughter Tina Hamilton and Kanard Hickman of Winston-Salem; his granddaughters LaShawna, LaToya, Kenisha, Raven, Gracie, Destiny, and Spencer; his grandsons Jacob, Derrick, Matthew, Mason, Joshua and DeShawn; his great-grandchildren Gianna, Payten, and Gracie; several nieces, nephews, cousins along with other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Roosevelt Carlton and Rev. Walter Kyle. Burial followed in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family received friends from 6 pm to 8 pm Friday evening at Ashelawn.  Ashelawn Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.