10/07/2026
Betty Ruth Hamilton born March 16, 1934, in Central, South Carolina, to the late John E. and Leola Cannon Hamilton. She lived more than nine decades with faith, strength, determination, and an unmistakable sense of who she was.
Ms. Hamilton was a strong, outspoken woman who stood firmly on what she believed. But those who knew her best also knew the heart behind that strength. She cared deeply for people, believed in helping others along the way, and used her influence to open doors and make opportunities possible for those who came behind her.
Education was one of her greatest passions. She proudly “matriculated,” as she loved to say, from Claflin College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She devoted her professional life to teaching English at Fort Knox Middle School, where she educated, challenged, and encouraged generations of young people. She was an avid sports fan and coach. Her competitive spirit brought great energy to her players and teams.
In 1952, Ms. Hamilton became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. A cherished Crystal Dove, she lived the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. On April 4, 1985, she reactivated Nu Beta Zeta Chapter, planting seeds of sisterhood and service that continue to flourish today. Her legacy will forever be treasured by her sorority sisters and the generations who follow in her footsteps.
Faith was the foundation of her life. A pillar of Embry Chapel AME Church, Ms. Hamilton served faithfully as Steward Emeritus, Trustee, Church School teacher and superintendent, Lay President, Treasurer, Annual Conference Delegate, Christian Education Director, Usher Board, and Kitchen Committee Supervisor. Her leadership extended throughout the West Kentucky Conference and the 13th Episcopal District. She also carried throughout her life a special love for her home church, Central United Methodist Church in South Carolina.
Her love of education and helping others continues through the Betty Hamilton Scholarship, a fitting legacy for a woman who believed in reaching back and lifting someone else forward.
Ms. Hamilton was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John Willie, Wesley, Odell, and J.C. Hamilton; and sisters, Frances Shade and Rebecca Hallums.
She leaves to cherish her memory nephews, James and Curtis Shade, W.C. Hallums (Vera), Greg Hamilton, Michael Hamilton (Angela); nieces, Tammy Wallace (Steven) (her daughter she raised), Terria Lytle (Donald), Angela Hallums Sands (Rev. Darrell Sands), Anesia Boykin (Michael), and Lesa Kaye Hamilton; her Kentucky daughter, Melinda Robinson; Kentucky granddaughter, Melaina Hayden; goddaughter, Jamilla McCall; lifelong best friend, Theatrice Patterson; and a loving circle of family, friends, Sorors, former students, and church family.
Ms. Hamilton educated, served, worshiped, led, loved and yes, she spoke her mind. Her voice was strong, her faith was steadfast, and her heart was generous.
She spent her life helping others along the way, and because she was here, lives were better.
A Mother of the Heart (from your niece/daughter, Tammy)
You stepped into the roles that only mothers claim,
And gave me all your love without a single condition or blame.
You raised me up with patient hands and held me to your chest,
And of all the blessings in my life, your guidance was the best.
You taught me how to grow, to stand up on my own,
Because of you, I never felt that I was left alone.
An aunt by name, but in my soul, the mother of my life,
You shielded me from every storm, through harmony and strife.
Now heaven opens up its gates to welcome you back home
And though my heart is heavy now, I know I'm not alone.
The beautiful foundation that you built inside of me,
Will stand as your sweet legacy for all the world to see.
Rest softly in the angels' care, your sacred work is done,
Your love remains the brightest light beneath the setting sun.
Funeral sevice will be 2:00pm Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Central United Methodist Church in Central, SC. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Services will be entrusted to Ray Funeral and Cremation Services,1373 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, North Carolina 28803.
