Daphne Hamilton
Moro |
Daphne Joan Hamilton, 91, of Bethalto, Illinois, after a long battle with Alzheimer's, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at LaBella Nursing Home in Alton, in the presence of her son Mark. She was born Daphne Joan Crouch on November 1, 1933 in Norris City, Illinois, to John Raymond Crouch and Daphne Elizabeth (Morehead) Crouch. She married Jesse Henry Hamilton on July 11, 1952, in Eldorado, Illinois. He preceded her in death in 2019.
She was the last surviving charter member of the Norris City Church of God. She was a very active member of the Bethalto Church of God for over 60 years, where she was the primary pianist and sometimes organist. She was the pianist for the New Dawn Youth Choir and also played entire Christmas cantatas. She began playing piano for church services at the age of 12, and continued for 72 years until age 84 when she had to care for her husband.
She was valedictorian of her high school class in 1951, and attended Lee College for one year in Cleveland, Tennessee. There she played piano for the Ladies of Lee Choral Group. After marriage, she worked as a secretary and clerk at Olin Brass, Laclede Steel, and for a while at the Bethalto Church of God. In 1995 she and her husband Jesse were named the Church of God National Senior Adult Lay Couple of the Year.
She taught piano lessons for many years to several student who went on to play piano and organ for churches. She was a very good writer and wrote the history for the Bethalto Church of God, and compiled the history of the Illinois State Church of God.
She is survived by sons, Jesse Mark Hamilton of Hazelwood, Missouri, Kent Hamilton of Moro, and Jerome (Dana) Hamilton of Peach Tree City, Georgia; sister, Gwendolyn Jones of Orlando, Florida; brother, John Crouch (Janet) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Brenda Crouch of Norris City, Illinois; grandchildren, Kimberly (Rob) Neathery of Wood River, Andrew (Wilmari) Hamilton of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Amber (Ty) Haywood of Sharpsburg, Georgia, Jessica Hamilton of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Samantha (Zach) Fikes of Newnan, Georgia, and Emily Thacker of Peachtree City, Georgia; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Daphne Crouch; sister, Nancy O'Bannon; and brother, James Crouch.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 12 pm until time of service at 2 pm, at Bethalto Church of God. Pastor Jacob Skelton will officiate.
Burial and graveside service will be on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 1 pm, at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is assisting the family with final arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
