Jennie June Motes Hamilton

1923 - 2023

Jennie June Motes Hamilton of Athens, GA, passed away Monday, August 14, 2023. Born June 29, 1923 in Sylacauga, AL to the late Adam Motes and Josie Hickman Motes, June had been a member of the Methodist Church all her life. Born into the Old Herd Gap Church, she later joined Oldfield Methodist, and when she moved to Atlanta, joined the Hapeville Methodist Church. She married James Lewis Hamilton in December 1942, had two children: Donald Robert, deceased, and Gay H. Jones (Jimmy) of Athens, GA; two grandchildren: James E. Jones, III, and Cynthia Jones Reilly (Jeff) of Athens, GA; and two great-grandchildren: Hannah C. Jones of Ukiah, CA and Jordan E. Reilly of San Luis Obispo, CA. She retired from the Atlanta Board of Education after 30 years of service. She served in the Methodist church in all areas, teaching adults, youth, and children, Chairman of Administrative Board, Pastor Staff Relations Committee, Lay Leader, Chairman of Trustees, and Chairman of Finance Committee and on the Nominating Committee. She was a member of the United Methodist Women. The love of God, Church, family, and country were the priorities in her life. She worked daily to preserve them. She and James moved to Athens, GA to be near daughter, Gay. They joined Chapelwood United Methodist Church where they were active in the Chapelwood programs, members of the Homick Class until health and old age limited their activities. Surviving are daughter, Gay Hamilton Jones, her husband, Jimmy; two grandchildren: James E. Jones, III, and Cynthia Amy Jones Reilly; two great-grandchildren: Hannah C. Jones; and Jordan E. Reilly; and sister-in-law, Marie Hamilton Phillips. A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m., CDT, at Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga, AL. She is predeceased by her parents; husband; son; and all nine of her siblings: Dewitt Motes, Dewey Motes, Alton Motes, Florine Motes Bishop, Emma Jean Motes McMillan, Marie Motes Davis, Gladys Motes Warren, Violet Motes Kelley, and Betty Motes Kelley. The family expresses its appreciation to "Miss Virginia," for her loving care. The family requests no flowers, but memorials to Oldfield Methodist Church, 2050 Oldfield Road, Sylacauga, AL 35150. Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements.