A celebration of life for Mayme Edwards Hamilton, 95, of Whitehouse will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Whitehouse United Methodist Church with Pastor Matt Thomas officiating. A graveside service will follow at Whitehouse Cemetery under direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. She went to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 9, 2013, under the care of The Hospice of East Texas following a brief illness.
Mayme was born on January 19, 1918, in Whitehouse, Texas. She was the only child born to John Edwards and Thelma Rushing Edwards. After graduating from Whitehouse High School, she married Dillon W. Hamilton in June of 1938. Rumor has it they wanted to marry a couple of years earlier, but the Justice of the Peace felt they were too young! Mayme went on to receive her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in education at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Mayme and Dillon were pillars in the Whitehouse community. The pair were honored as Mr. and Mrs. Yesteryear in 1990. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary prior to Dillon’s death in May 2009. The Hamiltons were an integral part of the Whitehouse United Methodist Church. Mayme was recently honored by having the church foyer dedicated to her.
Mayme taught many elementary children from 1944-1979 in the Whitehouse Independent School District. She was involved in the Newcomer’s Club, United Methodist Women, and various other organizations in the community. Mayme played Mah-jongg twice a week with a group of dear friends. She also loved attending sporting events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mayme loved spending time with her family especially during the holidays. Whether it was Thanksgiving dinner at her home or July 4th at the lake, you could always count on her to be there enjoying the festivities!
Mayme was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 70 years, and her oldest daughter, Mary John Portwood. She is survived by her youngest daughter, Thelma Joe Hanks and husband, Terry of Whitehouse, son-in-law, Bill Portwood, also of Whitehouse and sister-in-law, Dorothy Keeling of Carthage.
“Meme” (as she is known by her grandchildren) is survived by five grandchildren: Karla Portwood Cain and husband Calvin of Whitehouse; Dillon (Dee) Hanks and wife, Julie of Flint; Kara Portwood Hutton and husband, David of Whitehouse; Ron Hanks and wife, Barbara of Forney; and Mike Hanks and wife, Ronna of Whitehouse.
Meme is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Chris Cain and wife, Whitney of Tyler; Casey Cain of Whitehouse; Matt Claiborne and wife, Courtney of Whitehouse; Maci Claiborne of Whitehouse, Andrew Hanks and wife, Lindsay of Tyler; Collin Hanks and wife, Jessica of Tyler; Grant Hanks of Flint; Clay Hanks of Whitehouse; and Halie Hanks of Whitehouse.
Six great-great grandchildren also survive Meme: Caroline Cain, Emma Claiborne, Samantha Claiborne, Logan Claiborne, Connor Claiborne, and Jayden Hanks.
Pallbearers will be Dee Hanks, Ron Hanks, Mike Hanks, Chris Cain, Casey Cain, Andrew Hanks, Collin Hanks, and Grant Hanks.
Honorary pallbearers will be her Mah-Jongg friends: Carol Barrow, Fran Button, Jane Cooper, Fran Franklin, Betty Garner, Joann Kyger, Ann Maxwell, and Mary Pike. Rosemary Savage and Wendy Allen, devoted friends and caregivers will also be honorary pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 11, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler.
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