Thelma (Patterson) Hamilton

Thelma Patterson Hamilton

Thelma  Rine Patterson- Hamilton, better known as “LOVE” was born January 10, 1940 in Stephens, Arkansas to the late London and Annie Patterson. She was the youngest girl of six children. Early in her life she began her journey in God’s light and was baptized and received her early religious training at the Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Stephens, Arkansas. She also received her early education at Carver High School in Stephens, Arkansas.

Evangelist Hamilton relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and married August 10, 1956. During this union five children were born, two precious daughters and three handsome sons. Continuing her walk in faith she joined Bethel AME Church where she served faithfully. She later united with Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her late brother, Reverend Genora Patterson where she diligently served from 1955-1974.  Walking with Christ has been a focal point throughout her entire life. God, became her personal savior at an early age and she professed her love for him throughout all her adult life. She became a minister of the gospel over forty years ago and was ordained by Pastor Rex C. Gwaltney at Liberty Temple Church of Holiness in 1992.

Evangelist Hamilton travelled throughout the United States spreading the word of God. She then became a member of Parklawn Assembly of God where she was an active member for over 12 years.  With each transition in her faith came triumph.  She also ran a Ministry Outreach program in her community. That ministry brought forth everything she envisioned since the origin of her journey with God; she saw more souls longing for God as she did, it rebirthed the zeal she had for the word of God; it reignited her love for music. But what it really did was brought her community together in the spirit of God’s love. Her work ethic, her skillset, her willingness to serve others selflessly reflected in every position she obtained. She worked for Marquette University as a cashier for over 30 years.  After retiring from Marquette University, she became a senior care giver. That was one of her most beloved jobs. If it had anything to do with serving others, being a caretaker, or just providing a simple glimpse of any form of the Love of Christ to others she was willing to do it.  To those who knew her as a sibling, mother, aunt, niece, cousin, grandmother, great-grandmother, great – great grandmother, friend, LOVE was a woman whose love, genuineness, connection, and generosity was immense. 

Thelma’s life truly embodied the roadmap to peace, faith, service, and being obedient to God.  Thelma was spunky, she was ambitious, she was tenacious, she was pure, she was gracious, she was loving, she was courageous, she was God-fearing, she was compassionate, and most of all she was OUR LOVE. Thelma loved to spend time with her family, friends, and most importantly God. But nothing brought her more joy than unity of family. She would often host holidays at her home, or just cook to bring everyone together. She loved to cook it could have been something as simple as her chili or something like a big Christmas dinner. It didn’t matter to her as long as she was able to spend time with those she loved. She had hobbies which included: knitting, sewing (she made hats and clothes) one of the most amazing seamstresses to grace this earth, listening to music (Shirley Caesar) was her favorite Gospel singers, singing, (she made a record) making flower arrangements, planting flowers, planting a beautiful garden with (greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, cabbage) anything you could think of she grew, and she loved to decorate. Whenever you’d go and visit she would have a new pillow, piece of furniture, or something that just made you reflect on how simple a decorative piece in your home can bring so much solitude and peace as soon as you enter your safe haven.

Thelma departed this life October 3rd, 2022, where she transitioned beautifully. She was preceded in death by her parents; London and Annie Patterson, grandparents; Maddie and Lide Thompson, two brothers (Genora Patterson and Alfred Patterson); and two sisters (Inez Patterson) and Ammie Benton. She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Aldexter (Pamela) Hamilton of Racine Wisconsin, Mark (Linda) Hamilton of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Jillesa (Marshall) Robinson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pennetrey (Anthony) Hutson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Bruce (Brigid) Hamilton of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. One Brother (Lide Patterson) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thirteen Grandchildren, Eighteen Great Grandchildren, a special and dear niece (Kathy Patterson), and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as dear friends and associates.

Visitation Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd, Milwaukee from 10:00 AM until the Services at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow services at Graceland Cemetery, Milwaukee.

 SUNSHINE PASSES, SHADOWS FALL

Sunshine passes, shadows fall, love’s remembrance out lasts all,

And through the years many are few

They are filled with remembrance of you.

You will never be forgotten, though on earth you are no more.

In memory you will always be with us as you always were before.

So many times, we’ve longed for you. So many times, we’ve cried.

And if love could have saved you, you never would have died.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

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