Margaret Elizabeth Hamilton

Margaret Hamilton passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. She was born in Asheville, NC on October 25, 1929, daughter of the late Leslie Howard and Mary Elizabeth Cosby Batte`. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Dr. Ralph Hamilton and her older brother, Leslie Howard Batte` and his wife, Peggy. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; Beth and Fred Gianakouros of Roanoke, Virginia; Pat and Burford Cherry of Hickory; Sarah and Joe Tomlin of Statesville; her younger brother, Thomas Batte` and wife, Micki of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Melissa Webster (Barry), Meg Gianakouros, Elizabeth Alexander (Graham), Katherine Cherry, Mark Tomlin, Matt Tomlin(Jessica), Emily Massey(Justin), and great-granddaughters Sophia Webster and Margaret Alexander. After the loss of her father at a young age, Margaret, her mother, and two brothers returned to Brooksville, Mississippi to be near her mother's family and friends. Margaret often shared stories of their simple life there. For example, she delivered newspapers daily for the entire town on her pony, Bubba! Margaret moved to Statesville and attended Statesville Senior High School her Junior and Senior years. She attended Mitchell College before entering and graduating from Woman's College of NC (now UNC-G) with a teaching degree. Margaret returned to Statesville to teach at Avery Sherrill Elementary School. She met and married the love of her life, Ralph Hamilton. Margaret and Ralph were charter members of Forest Park Presbyterian Church. She was active in and taught Sunday School, participated in the Women of the Church, and was honored with a Lifetime Membership to Presbyterian Women. Margaret adored children and was thrilled to be the teacher for Forest Park's Mothers' Morning Out Program for years. Margaret and Ralph loved to be outdoors. They were avid campers, loved to hike, and well into their 80's could be seen walking hand in hand all over Statesville. Their devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who saw them. She loved God and adored her precious Ralph and the family that they created. Margaret was known for her feisty spirit and the way she cared for family and friends. Her family is deeply grateful for Margaret's example of unconditional love and complete devotion to her loved ones. Margaret will be honored at a private family burial. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Forest Park Presbyterian Church, Statesville, with Rev. Scott Jeffreys officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor. Memorials may be made to Forest Park Presbyterian Church. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Margaret Hamilton and online condolences can be made at www.nicholsonfunerals.com Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Margaret Hamilton.