Leona M. Hamilton

Leona Martin was born half way through 1926 into a large farm family in Miller County, Arkansas.  She was born a few years after the Spanish Flu pandemic ended and shortly after US women won the right to vote. She certainly lived in interesting times: The Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Space Race, the Vietnam War, 9/11, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous natural disasters. Through it all she was optimistic.

Leona believed in the power of love, that hugs and kisses could cure most any small hurt, and being kind was always preferred over meanness.  She believed in the power of good deeds and giving gifts just because another person needed it.  She made dozens of baby blankets for Parkland Hospital to give to mothers who needed a special blanket for their newborn. She never hesitated to help others; it could be a job, clothes, or a car. If a natural disaster happened Leona was one of the first to give.

Like many women on the home front, during WWII Leona had several jobs that supported the war effort. She drove ammunition trucks for the Red River Army Depot and assembled hand grenades at the Lone Star Ammunition Plant in Texarkana until she moved to Dallas where she got a job sewing uniforms; a skill she later used to make clothes for her children. She was a very accomplished seamstress.

Toward the end of the war, when Leona was 19 years old, she met a 22 year old Army Corporal named Marvin Hamilton.  They married a few months later at the end of 1945 and were together for 57 years.  Marv passed away in 2002. They were young by today’s standards but they had survived a lot.

Marvin and Leona had four children: Vicki, Stephen, David, and Lori. They were also blessed to have numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and some great great grandchildren.  Leona renamed herself “MeeMee” when her grandchildren came along and she is known by that name by many of her friends and family.  MeeMee was a dear friend, a devoted wife, a demanding parent, and a delight to know. Her children always knew she was in their corner and ready to help when needed and cheer when they needed a cheering section.

Rest in heavenly peace, MeeMee; you will be talked about for years to come as we share our favorite stories and memories of your remarkable life and spirit.

Leona Hamilton is survived by:Daughter Vicki Schmidt and her children Marie Leona Hatfield, spouse Joshua Hatfield; Amanda White, spouse Colin White; and Megan Schmidt.Son Stephen Hamilton, spouse Deborah Hamilton and their son Clint Hamilton, spouse Julie Hamilton.Son David Hamilton, spouse Rita Hamilton and their son Zachary Hamilton, spouse Jennifer Hamilton.Daughter Lori Watkins, spouse Steve Watkins and their children Ashleigh Chipman, Spouse Chip Chipman; and Leah Trebian, spouse Edwin Trebian.

MeeMee is also survived by great grandchildren: Trinity Morris; Nika Jones-Hatfield; Nolan Hamilton and Lucas Hamilton; Chloe Watkins; Brody Chipman; Rhett and Riley Trebian; Corrigan Grato; and Kinsey, William and Audrey Bowyer.  Her great, great granddaughter is Aspen Marie Schaper.  Leona is also survived by two of her eight siblings, Stanley Martin and Frances Martin.

She will be laid to rest with her husband at the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery.

Due to Covid limitations, the service will be Private.