Lynn Hamilton

1930 - 2025

Lynn Hamilton obituary, 1930-2025, Chicago, IL

Lynn Hamilton

1930 - 2025

BORN

1930

DIED

2025

Lynn Hamilton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 23 to Jun. 24, 2025.

Lynn Hamilton, a regular on TV shows like "The Waltons" and "Sanford and Son," died June 19, 2025, of natural causes in Chicago at the age of 95.

Born Alzenia "Lynn" Hamilton, the actress' career spanned stage and screen and included dozens of roles in favorites like "Gunsmoke," "The Young and the Restless," "Good Times," "Days of Our Lives," and "The Practice." However, it was her recurring roles on two 1970s favorites – "The Waltons" and "Sanford and Son" – for which she is best remembered. On the former, she played Verdie Foster, one of the Waltons' neighbors, and on the latter she was nurse Donna Harris, who was Fred Sanford's even-tempered girlfriend and fiancé.

Hamilton also had long stretches on two dramas of the early 1990s: she was a regular on "Dangerous Women," playing Cissie Johnson, and was in over 130 episodes of the TV drama "Generations."

"Lynn Hamilton's Donna wasn't in many episodes," fan Kevin D. Grüssing wrote on the social media platform X about her time on Sanford and Son, "but she was one of those who kept Fred on his toes. RIP to a sitcom legend."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Image)

Sign Lynn Hamilton's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 30, 2025

CA posted to the memorial.

July 17, 2025

Gary MCVey posted to the memorial.

July 17, 2025

Tom Berbas posted to the memorial.

35 Entries

CA

July 30, 2025

My deepest condolences to the family of Lynn Hamilton
May you find comfort in knowing that God sees your tears and hears your cries. He is near to the brokenhearted and will wrap you in His loving arms. May His peace strengthen you during this time.

Gary MCVey

July 17, 2025

Thank you Lynn for becoming an actress & sharing yourself with me & the rest of the world. Many laughs & memories. Thank you.

Tom Berbas

July 17, 2025

Lynn Hamilton was a truly remarkable talent whose work left a lasting impression on so many of us. Her performances on Sanford and Son and The Waltons were filled with dignity, warmth, and authenticity. She brought so much heart to every character she played, and her presence on screen was always memorable. Thank you, Ms. Hamilton, for sharing your gifts with the world and for paving the way for so many others in the industry. My condolences to her family and all who loved her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire.
Sincerely,
Tom Berbas

Dak. Senegal

July 10, 2025

Condolences to the family.
Ms. Hamilton EXEMPLIFIED what a LADY is, on & off screen. Many thanks for sharing your love 1 with us over the decades.

Peace & Blessings,

Jennifer Baribault

July 7, 2025

Jennifer Baribault

July 7, 2025

RIP Godspeed Lynn Hamilton
Hallelujah Hallelujah!!

Jennifer Baribault

July 7, 2025

Celebrating the of a amazing talented life lady as we are mourning the passing of her life Lynn Hamilton she will do truly be missed, yet never be forgotten and her legacy will still lives on the television that she appeared on. Thanks for the memories that you have given to us, made us laugh& coming into our home. Lynn Hamilton has made in a Movie "LADY SING THE BLUE aka Aunt IDE with her Co-Starting Billy Dee Williams, Dina Ross, several appearances on Television Shows like "SANFORD & SON" Lynn played aka Donna Harris Fred Girlfriend (1972-1977) Recurring Role, THE WALTONS" played aka Verdie Foster (1973-1977) Recurring Role, "227 played Emma Johnson (1986-1989) Recurring Role and Guest appearance on "THE GOLDEN GIRLS". We all know that she´s in a good place now., she has reunited with the people that she worked with. Lynn´s soul has still lives on as her body depart it right back to eternal HEAVEN.

Brennen Garcia

July 6, 2025

Thank You for watching tv for
the waltons

Brennen Garcia

July 4, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

May you Rest in Peace

Lord Jesus Name. Amen

Brennen Garcia

July 4, 2025

I will missed you. Rest in Peace

Diane Harrison

June 30, 2025

Condolences to the family for your loss. I still watch Sanford and Son and I loved her on that show. I pray that God give the family the comfort you all need at this time.

Melanie Vincz

June 29, 2025

I was one of the lucky actors that got to share the screen with Lynn.
Each morning she came to set set like a breath of fresh air. Always prepared, happy and ready to work. One of the strongest, kindest women I have ever known. She was like the on stage Mom to the cast and crew. Always there if you needed a shoulder to cry on or a voice of reason to help you through.
It was my great pleasure to work with Lynn. A wonderful actress....gone but never forgotten.
Love Crystal, aka Melanie Vincz

Mr. Jr.

June 27, 2025

My condolences.

Tijuana Jones

June 26, 2025

To the family of lynn Hamilton: I want to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one. She will always be remembered as a lady of class, and style. She possessed a magnificent acting
quality in every character She performed.
For example, Roots the next generation, The Waltons and especially Sanford and Son as Fred's fiance Donna Harris. She led a beautiful long life and will be missed
by all who knew her. May god bless her soul eternally until we see her again in the second coming of Christ.

7th child entertainment

June 25, 2025

Rosalyn Hobbs

June 25, 2025

Deepest sympathy on the passing of such a beautiful woman and talented actress. I enjoyed her roles in Sanford and Son and the Waltons. I have all the seasons of the Waltons and enjoy watching them especially the episode where Verdi learned read. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Curtis Palmer

June 25, 2025

Condolences extended to Lyn Hamiltons family. Thank you for sharing her talents with us. Blessings reign upon you

Sheryl Hyde

June 24, 2025

Amazing Talent, thank you!

Shirley Bennett

June 24, 2025

My Deepest Condolences to a Magnificent Woman Who lit up a Television Screen with her Beautiful Presence. Rest In Paradise, you shall always be Remembered.

Deb Terry

June 24, 2025

I so enjoyed her on Sanford & Son. What a beautiful lady. Thankful she lived a good and long life. Condolences to her family.

joann E Roseberry

June 24, 2025

Beautiful actress loved watching her in so many things. Remember watching heron Sanford and son. She had such a beautiful smile.

S Samuels Sims

June 24, 2025

Rest in peace

Kevin Phillips

June 24, 2025

Such an amazing actor! You did a wonderful job in whatever role you played! RIP.

Chris

June 24, 2025

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Lynn Hamilton. I enjoyed all the roles she played especially as Donna on Sanford and Son. May your fond memories and the comfort God gives help you cope during the difficult days ahead.

Patricia Robinson

June 24, 2025

God bless Lynn for her enormous talent! I will surely miss her! I still watch Sanford and love her and will remember her as Verdi´s on the Waltons with her kind words and beautiful smile. Rest in peace

MM

June 24, 2025

Condolences to Ms. Hamilton´s family and friends. Enjoyed watching Sanford & Son.

~Corey Mathis~Charlotte, NC

June 24, 2025

~Remembering Actress
Alzenia Lynn Hamilton-Jenkins,
19302025~

Tangie Stones

June 23, 2025

Rest in Peace beautiful Queen. You can now take your bow. You are a legend in your craft and deserve a larger fan fare. The world has lost another great actress worth celebrating for her heroism, to look on screen and recognize a woman of color were few in between in your days but you per -served and stayed true to the course. To have out lived most of your cast from Sanford and Son is priceless and I wished there were more giving of flowers while you were still here, but no worries you got the last laugh! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord !! Amen. May the Lord continues to bless your family. Go in peace.

Michael Crosswhite

June 23, 2025

R.I.P. our condolences to family friends and fans Michael Crosswhite and Jon Atkinson.

Bob Sama

June 23, 2025

Thank you Miss Lynn. You were part of my childhood.

Deb

June 23, 2025

My Condolences. Prayers, Hugs, Love, and Strength to all the family and many Friends she made along her fabulous journey. Thank You Lynn for all the entertainment, Love and Laughs you gave us!

DE

June 23, 2025

My heartfelt sympathy is with Lynn´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May Almighty God ( Psalm chapter 83 verse 18) strengthen and comfort you all in the coming days, months and years. I hope the fond memories will always be cherished.

Freda case a big fan always

June 23, 2025

Thañk you for. The smiles and laughter you you were amazing with fred Sanford I watched u on the Walton an lil house will remember you smile thank you again RIP

Art the Locksmith Logan Square Illinois

June 23, 2025

An accomplished actress and a familiar face for so many decades.... I was saddened to see her obituary but glad to see her as a native Chicagoan with such a successful career!

Dave Mann

June 23, 2025

Lynn Hamilton was an amazing actress who was admirable in "The Waltons" and "Sanford & Son". My sincere condolences to her family.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Lynn Hamilton's name

How to support Lynn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lynn Hamilton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Lynn Hamilton's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 30, 2025

CA posted to the memorial.

July 17, 2025

Gary MCVey posted to the memorial.

July 17, 2025

Tom Berbas posted to the memorial.