Obituary: Wanda Alice Hamilton

Wanda Alice Hamilton, age 80, of Oak Ridge, died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, April 15.

She was born Sept. 2, 1933, in Knoxville, the daughter of Samuel Henderson and Velma Hines McPherson.

Mrs. Hamilton was a former pianist and active member of Glenwood Baptist Church. She was a current member of Central Baptist Church, where she also sang in the choir and played piano. She was a talented pianist and played live for radio stations in Knoxville, and continued to play piano her entire life.

She enjoyed antiques, clogging, and was an avid reader and history buff. Mrs. Hamilton was an outgoing salesperson with Proffitt’s Department Store during the ’70s and ’80s, and was loved by many loyal customers. After retirement, she worked in an antique store in Jackson Square.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Hoyt Hamilton on Aug. 28, 2009, and her sister, Doris Dickerson.

She is survived by sons, Douglas Joe Hamilton and wife Rhonda, and Alan Craig Hamilton and wife Nancy, all of Oak Ridge; daughter, Kay Hamilton Roberts and husband Barry of Atlanta, Ga.; sister, Peggy Ethridge of Oak Ridge; grandchildren, Joshua Hamilton and wife Elizabeth, and Joseph Hamilton, all of Oak Ridge; Jessica Roberts and Jamie Roberts, both of Atlanta, Ga.; two great-grandchildren, Ethan Hall and Gabrielle Hamilton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 19, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Glenn Ellis officiating.

The family asks that any memorials be made in her memory to Central Baptist Church, 130 Providence Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, or to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc., PO Box 10088, Knoxville, TN 37939-9910.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.