Margaret W. Hamilton

Margaret W. Hamilton, PhD, passed into the spirit life September 9, 2007. Born to John N. and Tot Wheatley March 9, 1923 in Iowa, she and her parents soon returned to Yukon, Oklahoma, long- time home of the Wheatley family. After completing the same Yukon schools as her father, she began studies at Central State College in Edmond. These studies were interrupted by World War II, marriage to Joe J. Hamilton, establishing a home in Edmond, and births of two sons. Among her varied interests were music and theatre, writing and editing, traveling, hospital volunteering, tai chi, and gardening. At one time, her church, the Edmond First United Methodist, needed someone to play the church pipe organ, so she learned to play that instrument and served as organist for ten years. Church, Sunday School, and other spiritual activities were an important part of her life. Twenty years after her initial college classes, she returned to school earning a B.A. degree in English. After receiving both an MS and PhD in botany from the University of Oklahoma, she joined the Biology Department at Central State University. She delighted in teaching the plant sciences and interacting with students. Her goal was always to stimulate students and others to learn and investigate for themselves. That basic philosophy of helping others to help themselves is what partially explained her long-term commitment to World Neighbors. Margaret's parents, her husband of 41 years, her brother and sister, and a dear nephew preceded her in death. Survivors are two sons, Joe John and wife Mary, Tom and wife Cheryl; grandsons, Joe Johnathon and Clayton; step- granddaughter, Leslie Allen; and step-great-grandsons, Richard and Dante. She is also survived by several brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, even though she loved them dearly, please make memorials to World Neighbors, Skyline Urban Ministry, Edmond First United Methodist Church Music Fund, or charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 13, 2007, at 2:00pm in the Edmond First United Methodist Church.