Alberta Jenkins Hamilton

Alberta Jenkins Hamilton - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier December 15, 2015

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Alberta Jenkins Hamilton Madison Parish, Louisiana

From Monroe News-Star December 15, 2015

Dignity, elegance, courage, faith-filled and strength are all words that describe Alberta Jenkins Hamilton - teacher, mentor, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend, confidant and leader. She was the wife of Oscar Wade Hamilton, Sr. On December 9, 2015, Alberta Jenkins Hamilton rejoined Oscar, Sr. as she transitioned to her eternal reward.

Alberta Jenkins Hamilton was born in Tallulah, Louisiana on December 2, 1932, the second of two girls to Clyde Jenkins and Ellen Davis Jenkins. She inherited a rich legacy of faith, family, character, music and leadership. She was more like her grandmother, Salena, which reared her and her sister, a woman of unusual strength and drive. Alberta's mother died when she was five. As time passed she was ever grateful for her grandmother rearing her.

Alberta was nurtured in a Christian environment and this led to her conversion in July of 1945 at the New Light Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. G. C. Coggs. After her baptism, she united with the Travelers' Rest Missionary Baptist Church. She was a faithful member, VBS director, chairman for many programs, and spearheaded many projects at the church. Alberta also served as pianist/organist for the church until 1988. On a regular basis she fellowshipped with the Pleasant Grove #1 M. B. Church in her later years and contributed for each cause as if she was a member.

Alberta entered school in Madison Parish attending the Madison Parish Training School until her grandmother saw a need to transfer Alberta and Dorothy to Monroe, Louisiana to attend Monroe Colored High School in 1945. Alberta graduated from Monroe Colored High School as the salutatorian of the graduating class of 1951.

Alberta began work in fourth grade babysitting and cooking in homes. She learned during this time not only to endure tough situations, but also to overcome them. After graduation from high school Alberta entered Southern University majoring in elementary education and graduating in 1955. She obtained a Master's degree and 30+ post graduate hours from Northeast Louisiana University, now University of Louisiana at Monroe. She began her teaching career in Kentwood, Louisiana teaching seventh grade, choral music and coaching girls' basketball. She was employed by Madison Parish Schools as a fifth grade teacher for 30 years and later became a school testing coordinator until her retirement in 1987. She returned to work for the school system in 1989 as the Drug-Free School's Coordinator for an additional 14 years.

Alberta met O. W. in 1945 when she transitioned to Monroe Colored High School and as they become more acquainted with one another they knew it was destined that they would be together. On December 24, 1955, Alberta and O.W. married and were in the holy bonds of matrimony for 56 years. To this union two sons were born, Oscar, Jr. and Antonio Rene'.

Alberta was very active in many civic, social and fraternal organizations. She was a life-Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. being a member of Zeta Phi Omega Chapter in Monroe, Louisiana in which she held many offices over years inclusive of Basileus, Grammateus, Tamiouchos, a member of Star of Madison Chapter 57 OES, PHA, Pride of Madison Heroines of Jericho Court #27, a member of the Southern University Alumni, Daughter Ruler of the Improved Benevolent Order of Elks of the World Starr Lodge #953, a member of the Cardette Social Club, Art-Mu-So-Lit Social Club, Louisiana Retired Teachers' Association, Louisiana Association of Educators, Madison Retired Teachers Association. She served as president of the board for Delta Community Action for over 30 years.

Alberta loved traveling and was the greatest cook to satisfy the palate. She gave unselfishly and tireless, and lived life fully. She enjoyed listening to the Jimmy Swaggart Ministry, watching the Young and Restless, Family Feud, Touched by an Angel, Highway to Heaven, Mama's Family, all Westerns and anything that was historical.

She received various awards throughout her life for being outstanding in education, the sorority, community and state.

Mrs. Hamilton led a life of extraordinary courage and strength. She did not speak her convictions publicly while failing to honor them privately. She did not hold grudges but rose above resentment to reconcile with others. She was a woman of extraordinary grace and dignity sent to us by God "for such a time as this."

She leaves this legacy of love and reconciliation to her loving devoted son, Oscar Wade; her loving and caring sister, Dorothy J. Brown; her daughter-in-law, Annette, that was more of a daughter; grandchildren - biological, adopted and extended: Oscar, III, Dan, DiTeshia, Antronique, Antonio, Oscarlena, JaDarrione, Rickey, Leon, Dennis and Justin, and great-grandmother of Joi, Marshall, Journee, Sahiyra and Daylin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Verta and Jesse Bilberry; and niece, Cassandra; and a host of other relatives and friends.