Ann Hamilton

Ann Hamilton KNOXVILLE, TN - Hamilton, Ann Gordon Dempster Smallman passed away on Friday, November 7, 2014 at age 87 in Knoxville, Tennessee surrounded in love by her family. Ann was a charter member of the Church of the Ascension in Knoxville. She was born at the Riverside Hospital on December 6, 1926. Ann was preceded in death by her mother Francis Seymour Dempster; Father George R Dempster, former Mayor of Knoxville and inventor of the Dempster Dumpster; sister Josephine Epperson; brother George S. Dempster; husbands Joseph M. Smallman, John (Jack) Hamilton; brother and sister in-laws, John and Doris Avera and nephew John Avera III. Ann was married to Joseph in 1950, they had two children, Kitt and Joe. Joseph died in 1970. In 2002 she married John (Jack) Hamilton, her high school sweetheart. They lived in Kiawah Island, South Carolina until 2007 when they moved to Knoxville. John passed away in 2009. Ann Gordon is survived by daughter Janet Kittrell Smallman, son Joseph Dempster Smallman and his fiance;, Katherine Banner; her grandchildren Amber Smallman Koonce married to Dr. James Koonce, and Morgan Smallman Allen. Nieces Samantha Epperson Hess married to Phil Hess, Anne Matthews Avera and nephew Duke Epperson. She was a student at an all-girls school, Ward-Belmont in Nashville, in the ninth grade. She graduated from Old Knoxville High School where she was a cheerleader and ROTC sponsor. She was presented at the Chattanooga Cotton Ball. In 1948 she graduated from the University of Tennessee with a business degree. While there Ann was vice president of Chi Omega, Torchbearer and "Who's Who among students in American Universities and Colleges." She was also a cheerleader and ROTC sponsor, president of Mortar Board, treasurer of the senior class and a UT Beauty. After college Ann enjoyed doing volunteer work, singing and playing bridge. Ann helped establish the Florence Crittenden Home of Knoxville, where she was later named president and honored with life membership. Ann was president of The Gardener's Garden Club. She was a former "lady member" of Cherokee Country Club and of the Junior League where she was in the choral group. Ann was on various boards of directors including Dempster Brothers, and the first Knoxville Opera Board. She was vice president of the first Dogwood Arts Festival Board and on the board of Blount Mansion and Girls Club where she was awarded life membership. She was also appointed as a University of Tennessee Chancellor's Associate. Ann was president of the 9 o'clock Cotillion. In 1970 Ann was honored by Beta Sigma Phi International as the First Lady of Knoxville for her volunteer work. Her memorial request is to share a meal with someone who lives alone or send a gift to your favorite charity. She leaves us with this wish for her family and friends, "I hope you live a joyful life and always be grateful for God's gift to you, today". Ann and her family would like to thank the staff at Little Creek Nursing Home, her loving caregivers, Laurie and Margaret Ellison, and all the other amazing caregivers who provided her with love and support. A celebration of Ann's life was held on Tuesday November 11th at 4pm at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension with the Very Reverend Dr. Howard J. Hess officiating. A reception followed in the Parish Hall. Friends and family then gathered at Greenwood Cemetery Wednesday November 12th at 10am for a committal service. Arrangements were by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston