Sylvia Smith Hamilton
89, of Salem, Va., passed away Sunday, February 10, 2008. She was born September 7, 1918, in Salem, daughter of the late Samuel and Merle Saunders Smith. She was also preceded in death by her son, Johnie “Billy” Hamilton Jr.; granddaughter, Ashley Bowe; son-in-law, Warren Boardwine; five brothers; and one sister. Mrs. Hamilton was a homemaker and a lifelong member of First Christian Church, in Salem. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Johnie “Bill” Hamilton Sr.; daughters and son-in-law, Rosemary Boardwine, Anne and Glenn Bowe; granddaughter and spouse, Scotti and Howard Hartman; four sisters, Edie Turner, Jean Newman, Lois Epperly and Peggy Rash; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at Church Hill Cemetery, Salem, with the Rev. Dan Netting and Dr. Walter Franke officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the entire Richfield Retirement Community for exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Mrs. Hamilton’s name to the Salvation Army or to the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 13, Hardy, Va., 24101. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.