Laura Hamilton

Laura Lee Hamilton was born in Bryan, Texas on September 20, 1922 to George and Mary Newton. Laura was the oldest born to this union. She was the protector of her three brothers, Robert, Gloster and Curtis; and three sisters Ella, Nancy and Doris. As a child, Laura grew up attending Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and was on the usher board. As a youth and young adult, she enjoyed dancing and became known around town as “Jitter” for her favorite dance the “Jitterbug.” Laura attended McMillan Elementary School, Fairview Middle School and E.A. Kemp High School until the 12th grade when she left school to care for her ailing mother. Following her cousins Inez and Ruby, she left Bryan, Texas for the “big city” of Fort Worth, Texas. While in Fort Worth, Laura became an active member of Paradise Baptist Church.

On April 10, 1944, she united in holy matrimony with her soulmate, Herman “Mazork” Hamilton. Of this 72-year union five beautiful blessings were born, Herman, Bettye, Albeanie, Dian and Mary (Punkin). Laura and Mazork shared a loving and full life together. The children share many childhood memories; these include driving to the mountains every Sunday to sightsee and road trips back to Texas for the holidays.

Their 10 grandchildren added so much jubilance to their lives. Each grandchild had a special bond with her. Their fondest memory includes bringing their Christmas gifts over to Bellaire Street at 6am on Christmas morning to open their gifts together and enjoy a pancake breakfast made by “Madear” aka “Granny” and “Gram.”

Holidays were always a festive affair for Laura. She enjoyed decorating, cooking, baking, and entertaining family and friends. Her doors were always open the moment you arrived on Bellaire Street you were family and never left with an empty stomach.

Laura was skilled in homemaking which led to her long-term employment with the Radetsky family.

Laura’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and church family. She was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church for 65 years and was honored as a lifetime member. As an active member, she served in various ministries and initiatives. These include secretary of the Junior and Senior Mission, Women’s Choir, faithfully attended Wednesday night Bible Study.  She was also a member of Operation 74 and Silver Plan just to name a few.

Laura was a Proverbs 31 Woman of Wisdom and a great example to many. She was a true blessing to her family and all who knew her. Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Hamilton; son, Herman; daughter, Albeanie; parents, George and Mary Newton; brothers, Robert and Gloster Newton; and sister, Nancy Murphy.

Laura L. Hamilton departed this life on March 19, 2021 in Denver, CO. Those left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy include her children, Bettye Hall, Dian McMillan (Samuel), and Mary (Punkin) Edington; 10 grandchildren, Alva, Terence, Nia, Angela, Tiffany, Bishop, Derek, Erica, Nafia and Dawn; 10 great grandchildren, Mysun, Micah, Nya, Lalond, Kahlil, Jayden, Arionna, Johnathan, Basier, and McKenzie; brother, Curtis Newton; sisters, Ella Jackson and Doris Chambers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.