Betty Sue Hamilton

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BETTY SUE HAMILTON JULY 13, 1949 - November 16, 2016 On July 13, 1949, Betty Sue Hamilton was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Claudie Hamilton and Merle Thornton Hamilton. Sue was greeted by her sister, Mary Anne, and later her baby sister, Claudia Jean. The Hamilton girls have always shared a special sister bond. From birth Sue was a special child. At a young age, she exhibited her strong spirit, her ability to take care of herself and her sweet personality - as long as things were going her way which was most of the time. Sue quickly became a protective big sister to Jean. She loved both sisters, but it was no secret that Jean was her favorite sister. Sue refused to ever let Jean get a spanking even when she probably needed one. Sue and Shep, the family's adored Shepard & Collie dog, made sure that Jean was always protected from a switch. When Miss Merle broke off a switch, Sue would loudly put up a defensive protest to save her mischievous little sister, and Shep would quickly run to her rescue and jump until he retrieved the switch from Miss Merle's hand. Thus no punishment for Jean, only smiles for Sue and Shep! Claudie enjoyed getting Sue and Shep to put on the performance for every guest who didn't believe it could happen until they were a witness to it. Sue attended Kosciusko Special School from 1955-1966, and she truly enjoyed going to school, riding the school bus and attending school activities. One day Sue proudly surprised her family with a small painted turtle that another student had given her, and Sweetie Pie quickly became a member of the family for many years. At a young age, Sue made her profession of faith at Springdale Baptist Church where she has been a life-long member. She loved her Church and all the members. She especially likes Sunday School, Bible School and fifth Sunday dinners. Sue has always amazed everyone of her knowledge of all the words of many hymns, and her favorite hymns were Jesus Loves Me and Victory in Jesus. Like her family, Sue loved living in the country in the Springdale Community and all her neighbors, the Jenkins, Dodds, Millers, Hughes, Musselwhites, Jones, Dendys, Swinneys and Holders. She loved nature, playing outside with her sisters, her cousins, Jeraldean, Patricia and Kim and family friends. They built playhouses in pine thickets, jumped rope, hula-hooped, rode bikes and played basketball. The family enjoyed gardening, swimming, skating, fishing, going on picnics in various places and having neighbors over for cookouts. She loved snack foods, Dr. Peppers, cookies and potato chips. Sue had a hug for everyone she met, and she was quick-witted and had a response to comments that would make people laugh uncontrollably. She would pass the time by sitting in the swing and going to the mailbox . She collected stuffed animals and enjoyed visits to Aunt Velle's home in Memphis, Uncle H. C.'s home in Atlanta and family reunions at Aunt Rosie's home in Richland. Sue enjoyed music, especially Elvis songs, and she visited his mansion in Memphis several times. When Mary Anne and Ralph Alexander married in 1967, Sue excitedly called Ralph "Brother" from that day forward. Later, Sue loved her nieces, Lisa, Wendy and Tiffany and called each one Baby Doll while she played dolls and games like Operation, Old Maid cards and Ker-Plunk with them. She cherished her visits with her nephew, Ralph, Jr., as he would gladly play softball, basketball and badmitton with her outside. After the death of her father in September, 1994, Sue and her mother continued to live at Springdale, and Sue's favorite pastime became shopping. She thought her Mom should take her to Kosciusko every day to eat at McDonald's and shop. At least twice a week, Sue, her Mom and her Aunt Louise would eat breakfast out and shop till they dropped to please Sue's adventurous spirit. Sue was diagnosed with a massive non-malignant brain tumor in November, 2007, and in April, 2008, she became a resident at Lexington Manor Senior Care where she quickly adapted to her wheelchair and strolled the halls, singing The Bear Went Over the Mountain while making friends with the staff and introducing herself to the other residents. One day she raised her hand to work overtime when the Director of Nurses asked for a volunteer. When Miss Merle became a resident of the Manor in 2009, they were together again and enjoyed the therapy sessions, social activities, crafts, tea parties, music groups, visits from family and friends and Macie, the puppy dog who checks daily on each resident. Sue's favorite visitors were her beloved great-nieces, Alexa and Emily, and her great-nephew, Glynn. Sue left us on November 16, 2016, shortly after 12 noon exactly six months after her Mother passed away on May 16, 2016, shortly 12 noon. Her nine year battle with the massive brain tumor never robbed Sue of her love for her family and friends. The entire staff of Lexington Manor and many of the residents shared their love and concern for Sue during her battle this past week. Sue was predeceased by her beloved parents, Claudie and Merle Hamilton. Her survivors include her sisters: Mary Anne Alexander, and husband, Ralph, of Lexington; Claudia Jean Patrick, and husband, Tommy, of Richland; Her beloved nieces and nephews: Lisa Rogers, husband Ray, and daughter, Alexa, of LaGrange, GA; Ralph Alexander, Jr., and wife, Ashley, of Gluckstadt; Wendy Driver, husband, Jody, and sons, Michael and Zane of Waterboro, SC; Tiffany Edwards and children, Glynn and Emily, of Pearl. She is also survived by her special cousins and friends. SERVICE FOR MISS BETTY SUE HAMILTON Place: Jordan Funeral Home Kosciusko, Mississippi Date: November 18, 2016 Time: Visitation: 10:00-11:00 am Service: 11:00 am Interment: Musselwhite Cemetery Springdale Community, Kosciusko, Mississippi Pastor: Reverend James Culpepper Pallbearers: Ralph Alexander, Jr. George Dodd Nicholas Dodd Tony Holder Taylor Musselwhite Bill Swinney Eulogy: Celebrating the Life of Betty Sue Hamilton by: Misty Holder Prayer: Reverend Culpepper Music: Amazing Grace (a favorite hymn of the family for 5 generations) Service: Reverend Culpepper Closing Prayer: Reverend Culpepper