Caroline Clark Hamilton

On Friday, May 28, 2021, Carol Hamilton, a generous and gracious spirit, completed her earthly journey. A consummate musician and a loving mother and wife, Carol slipped into eternity, having left behind 90 years of passionate and compassionate living.

Born in 1930 to Howard and Caroline Clark, this native of Springdale, Arkansas, traveled far beyond her sweet only-child upbringing to excel in all she attempted, including raising five children and honing her artistry in music and teaching. Earning a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Arkansas and masters’ degrees in organ and music theory from the University of Texas, Carol shared her disciplined approach to achievement with her husband and children, influencing each to strive harder and higher in pursuit of realized dreams.

Carol began her church music career in her high school years, serving as organist at First Methodist Church of Springdale, Arkansas. She went on to accept positions at First Methodist Church of Henderson, Texas, First Baptist Church of Austin, Texas, Second Church of Christ, Scientist in Prairie Village, Kansas, and Colonial Congregational Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, among others. In each, she elevated the role of worship music, accompanying choirs and playing challenging literature that would be daunting to the finest performer. Her improvisational skills were astounding, causing even the most social church members to sit down in respectful silence during her postludes, only to rise in exuberant applause at the end.

As a teacher, Carol trained legions of students, including her own children, in keyboard skills and music theory, instilling in each a love for classical music. A faculty member at Kilgore Junior College in Texas and Johnson County Community College in Kansas, she also taught privately in her home. In her long career at the Kansas State School for the Blind, Carol learned to read Braille notation and recorded students’ music in order to accommodate individual needs. With the help of her husband, she designed an adaptive music stand to bring printed notes closer to the pianist’s eyes.

As a mother of five lively children, Carol was dedicated to molding successful, responsible and forthright citizens. As a wife, she fell into a lifelong love affair with another musician and teacher who had the ability to send this serious soul into fits of uncontrollable laughter. Marrying Alexander W. Hamilton in 1950, she shared with him a sense of humor that turned even the most challenging days into a whirlwind of affectionate silliness. Together, they set high moral and educational standards for their children, tempered by a model of true marital love.

Carol leaves to cherish her memory Alex, her husband of 70 years, daughters Faith Hamilton-Trent of St. Simons Island, GA, and Holly Hamilton (Lynn Batdorf) of Bethesda, MD, and three sons: Clark Hamilton (Teri) of Seattle, WA, Andrew Hamilton (Sue) of San Diego, CA, and Schuyler Hamilton (Terri) of Denton, Texas. Additionally, she leaves 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

A private family service is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, 2021, at First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Carol Hamilton’s honor to your favorite charity.