Dorothy Hamilton

Virginia- Dorothy Carver Hamilton, formerly of Candler, departed this life for a better place on December 29, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Fred Homer and Ila Rogers Carver, and was the descendant of Aden Andrew Carver, a Private in the 35th NC Infantry during the Civil War, and later a contributor to the restoration of Mingus Mill in Swain County, NC. Until the late 1930's the Carver's were prominent citizens of Smokemont, Swain County, NC when the Federal Government purchased their land as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy Carver Johnson, her brother, D.J Carver, her parents, her previous husband, Patrick Gallatin Tramel, and her mother-in-law Gladys Hamilton. Dorothy was a devoted wife, lover, confidante, and friend of Robert Hamiton; the mother of Michael Anthony, Patrick G. II, and wife Kristie, and Timothy Tramel, all of Candler, NC; and the grandmother of Michael, Cory, Zachariah, Lauren, and Taylor Tramel and the step-grandmother of Lauren Kuzniar. She was also the step-mother of Greg Hamilton and wife Patty, of Roxboro, NC and Chris Hamilton and wife Susan, of Virginia Beach. She was known affectionately as "Memaw" in her community at Young's Cove, Candler, NC. She was a mother-figure to younger generations, and greatly loved and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her roots in Western North Carolina are strong and go back many generations. She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, and she never met a stranger. She leaves a trail of friends that stretches from Japan, across the width of this country from California to Virginia, including all the states in between. She will be especially remembered in Candler, NC, where she lived, before meeting Bob, and also in Virginia Beach, where she lived at the time of her death. Dorothy was a loving, giving person, with a ready smile and a helping hand. Among her joys were shopping and travel. She would spend hours selecting an item and finding the best price. Her love of travel included any destination. Discovering new places at home was as much a thrill as discovering new places abroad. Dorothy made her mark in this world, up until her final moments. She passed on peacefully, after being cared for by her physicians, nurses, family, and friends. She will be remembered fondly, and we are all grateful for the time we had with her here on Earth. We are sure she will meet God with a smile, as was her style. A graveside service will be conducted on Friday, January 6, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Union Hill Cemetery in Whittier, NC. The family will receive friends at the home in Candler.

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