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But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. Luke 8:50

Dorothy Ann Hamilton was born on Monday, June 13, 1955, at Coffee General Hospital in Douglas, Georgia. Her arrival as their first daughter and second child brought immense joy to her parents - the late Deacon John Wesley Hamilton and Deaconess Annie Lee Grace Hamilton. Dot, as she was affectionately called, often reminisced about the joys of growing up in the close-knit Broxton community, located in rural South Georgia. She matriculated through the Coffee County School System, attending Mary Hayes School during her primary and intermediate studies. Dot was active in the production of many school plays, under the direction of Mr. Charles Ingram. She was also a member of a dance group, called Beat Mix. They traveled around the surrounding counties, performing at many events and festivals. She would fondly talk about how this group learned many genres of dance, including square dancing. Dot completed her senior level education at Broxton High School, graduating with the Class of 1973. She went on to earn an Associates degree from South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia. She also studied nursing and came within nine months of completing studies to become a registered nurse.

Dot was raised in a Christian home, and accepted Christ as her personal Savior as a child while attending Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Reverend LT Sanders. As she sat at the feet of her parents and the elders at Little Zion, she learned of the goodness of God and her faith became her strong foundation. She grew into a woman of inexplicable joy, unwavering conviction in the word of God, and a battle-tested solider in the Army of the Lord. In the mid-1980’s, Dot joined Beulah First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, under the leadership of Reverend S.L. Thigpen. There, she remained a faithful member for the balance of her days. She was a willing worker for the Lord, serving diligently and with glee in both the Mission and Women’s ministries. She was also the Secretary of the Women’s Intermediate Ministry (WIA), Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association of West Florida.

In addition to her love for God, Dot absolutely adored her family. The importance of family unity was instilled in her by her parents and her favorite uncle, Jessie Grace. Her three girls were the apple of her eye. She was so proud of them and her 10 grandchildren. She would revel in their accomplishments and be the first to share their successes. She would always say, “It’s a poor frog who won’t praise his own pond.” As the last of the Hamilton clan, Dot dutifully embraced her role as matriarch. She became a mother-figure to her nieces and nephews and took them under her wing. She cared for and encouraged them as if they were her own. Additionally, she was like a mother to extended family members and many of her children’s friends. She was selfless when it came those she loved. Everyone could count on her to be a listening ear, to give honest critique, sound judgement, and uplifting encouragement. She would refer those in need to the scriptures and use her personal experiences to assist others in navigating life. She was not ashamed of her testimony and gave it to anyone that needed uplifting. She was a truly strong tower in both the Hamilton and Grace families. Many looked to Dot and depended on her love and strength daily. She was truly one of a kind.

Dot was the brightest light in every room. She loved to have joke around and fun. Her laugh was like music to one’s ears and her smile was so infectious. Because of her sincere affectionate nature, people were drawn to her. She had the uncanny ability to make every person feel special, and like a part of her family. She was everyone’s favorite person. She loved to read and spread joy by sending greeting cards for every occasion. Her daughter’s joked that she would probably send Arbor Day cards, if they made them. Her loved ones would look forward to receiving their annual birthday card in the mail, along with a check that equaled their age.

Professionally, she worked for 17 years (1979-1996) in multiple capacities at the Okaloosa County School District. Some of her roles included being a teacher’s aide and office administrator at Fort Walton Beach High School; teaching assistant at Wright Elementary, Florosa Elementary, and Silver Sands Center; and an office administrator at Annette P. Edwins Elementary School. She also held CNA and Cosmetology professional licenses.

Dot was extremely active in service and civic organizations. She was a proud member of Velma K. Conyers Chapter #7, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA and E.L. Seawright Ct. #90 - Heroines of Jericho, PHA. In 2014, she joined her oldest and youngest daughters in the Blue and White family when she became a chartering member of the Zeta Amicae of Niceville. She became a member of the Zeta Amicae of Tallahassee in 2016 and remained active until her passing. She worked faithfully in all of these organizations, even through her illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 siblings: Deacon James Wesley Hamilton and Lucy Idella Hamilton Butler.

Dot truly fought the good fight, she kept (and honored) the faith, she finished her course. Throughout her extended health challenges, she never lost her faith in God, nor her resolve to carry out His purpose for her life. After 66 ½ years in this earthly realm, Dorothy Ann Hamilton took God’s hand and entered her eternal reward on Friday, December 24, 2021. As she now rests from the labor of this world, her undying faith in God, legacy of love, dedication to family, and willingness to serve will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her. Solace and joy will be garnered through every recollection of our beloved Dot.

Those left to cherish her loving memory: 3 daughters: S. Yvette Carter and son-in-law, Wade – Gainesville, FL, LaJonya Lett – Athens, GA, and Dr. Melvena Wilson – Fort Walton Beach, FL; 10 grandchildren: LaKisha Carter (Ronisha) – Jacksonville, FL, Britney Carter-Grimes (Lavar) – Tuscan, AZ, Joe Carter – Dallas, TX, LaDiamond Lett – Atlanta, GA, Donte Lett – Athens, GA, John Carter – Lake Worth, FL, Christopher Lett – Athens, GA, Jordan Carter – Gainesville, FL, Lydia Lett – Athens, GA, and D. Adrian Wilson – Fort Walton Beach, FL; 2 great-grandchildren: Landon and Lauren Grimes; stepmother: Daisy Hamilton Taylor – Ocilla, GA; step-siblings: Sylvia Lockett (Daniel) – Ocilla, GA, Kaye Coffee (Elder Larry) – Fitzgerald, GA, and Kenneth Chatfield – St. Petersburg, FL; dearly regarded nieces and nephews: LaToya Curtis (Rico), Stephania Graham (James), Frank J. Butler (Marie), Lee Butler (Paula), Leslie Jones (Mike), Remeeka Jones, Pamela Boswell, Dorcas Deloney, and Scottina Washington; aunts/uncles: Peggy Moore (Willie), Arthur Grace, Sr., and Mattie Love; special cousins: Mary J. Moffett (and companion, Milton), Mamie Johnson, and Jack Grace, Sr.; god-brother: Pernell Smith; god-sister: Loretta Holliman; eternal sister-in-love: Doretha Hamilton; dear friends: Helen Jones, Betty Florence, Donna Jackson, Linda Lewis, and Bobbie Ponder; and a host of beloved nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, friends, OES sisters, Heroines of Jericho sisters, Amicae sisters, and Zeta Friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 siblings: Deacon James Wesley Hamilton and Lucy Idella Hamilton Butler.

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