Sherry Stedham Hamilton

Sherry Stedham Hamilton passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving husband and devoted caregivers. A celebration of life was held in Chesapeake, VA on September 24, 2022, followed by a celebration of life in Cullman, AL on October 8, 2022. Sherry will be interred at Forrest Cemetery in Gadsden, AL. Mrs. Hamilton was born in Anniston, Alabama on March 7, 1955, as the second child to W. Gene Stedham and Janie Louise Baird Stedham. She graduated from Anniston High School in 1973 and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Jacksonville State University in 1978. She began her teaching career at Johnston Elementary School in Anniston later the same year. Mrs. Hamilton married her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, William Christopher "Bill" Hamilton Jr., on June 7, 1980. In the early years of their 42-year marriage she taught school in Opelika, AL while Mr. Hamilton finished his undergraduate studies and flew for Auburn University. In 1983 the couple moved to Pensacola, Florida for Mr. Hamilton to begin his training as an Aviator in the US Navy. Later that year their identical twin daughters, Haley Hamilton Watson and Holly Hamilton Klug, were born. The years that followed were full of new duty stations, new teaching positions, and new adventures. Mrs. Hamilton taught for over 20 years in early education and later special education in many states to include Alabama, Florida, Maryland, California, and South Carolina before retiring. After retiring from teaching, Mrs. Hamilton became a realtor. For 33 years Mrs. Hamilton provided encouragement and support through her husband's military career. She was a member of the Botanical Buddies, enjoyed sewing, and she always made the holidays extra special. Mrs. Hamilton was known affectionately as "Ida" by her 7 adoring grandchildren and always made every visit memorable. Mrs. Hamilton will be remembered for her kindness, friendship, and laughter by those that knew her. She could light up a room and make anything fun. She will be truly missed by all. Mrs. Hamilton is preceded in death by her father, W. Gene Stedham; and brother, Gary Beecher Stedham. Mrs. Hamilton is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 42-years, CAPT. W.C. "Bill" Hamilton Jr., USN Ret., of Chesapeake, Virginia; her children Haley Hamilton Watson and her husband, Chris, of Brandon, Mississippi, and Holly Hamilton Klug and her husband, Ryan, of Hanover, Maryland, and seven precious grandchildren; Nolan, Madison, Brady, Ruby, Ruthie, Elizabeth, and William. She is also survived by her much-loved mother, Janie Louise Baird Stedham of Anniston; and her loving sister; Teri Stedham Powell and her husband, Lionel, of Cullman, AL, and her nieces and nephews.