Shirley Sylvia Hamilton's Obituary
On January 10, 2025, Shirley Sylvia Hamilton passed away peacefully at the age of 88 at home with loving family members by her side. Shirley's wish to spend her final days in the home she cherished was made possible by the care and support of her daughter Betty Lou, granddaughter Rebecca and daughter-in-law Pam.
Shirley was born February 18, 1936, in Pomfret, Maryland where she spent her entire life on the property she grew up on. The daughter of Joseph Claggett Simmons and Myrtle Virginia Duffy Simmons. Shirley was the youngest of 16 children and was the last remaining sibling of her family.
Shirley spent many years designing beautiful and meaningful floral arrangements as a florist at The Flower Basket. Her hands carefully created arrangements which marked milestones and events in the lives of so many people including homecoming corsages, wedding bouquets, anniversary arrangements, and memorial arrangements.
Shirley was a constant caregiver throughout her lifetime. As the youngest sibling in such a large family, she provided loving care to many of her nieces and nephews from a very young age. Her loving care and concern for her nieces and nephews continued even as those children grew into adults. With her husband, Charma, Shirley raised their three children, Betty Lou, Jimmy and Bryan "Hammy", whose ages spanned 23 years. She was a central figure in the lives of her 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who she continued to love, enjoy and care for into her final days.
Her welcoming and meticulously kept home was a gathering place and the epicenter for family events, Sunday dinners, summer cookouts, and holidays for family and friends. If you were ever lucky enough to stop by for a visit Shirley always made sure you were well fed and never left hungry.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Jennings "Charma" Hamilton, her son Bryan "Hammy" Hamilton, and her son Jimmy Hamilton. She is survived by her loving daughter Betty Lou (John) Mudd, grandson John (Mandy) Mudd, granddaughters Maggie Mudd-Stewart (David), Amanda Hamilton (Josh), Rebecca Hamilton, great-grandsons Turner and Ian Stewart, great-granddaughters Amanda Hamilton, Ellie and Caroline Mudd and daughter-in-law, Pam Hamilton.
Shirley's small stature, just 4' 3" tall, was not indicative of her character. She was strong, determined, and resilient. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her family closest to her.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 10 AM until time of funeral service at 12 noon. Interment Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Maryland.
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