Audrey Kelley Hamilton

Audrey Kelley Hamilton, age 86, passed away on November 3, 2025. She was born July 27, 1939, in South Carolina, to the late Joe Emanuel Kelley and Pauline Ethel Aiken Kelley.

Audrey started off her adult life by achieving her registered nursing license and marrying Dave. They relocated from Greenville, SC, to Raleigh, NC, to start his photography business and raise their five children. Audrey kept her RN license up to date and when the youngest children were in high school started her nursing career at WakeMed. After she retired, she continued to help Dave with his photography until he retired also.

Audrey loved collecting vintage costume jewelry, bowling, card nights with friends and family, and making holiday feasts. Most of all, she loved her family and nothing was more important to her. Audrey and Dave continued to show their love by treating the children and then grandchildren to a trip to the beach each summer for many years.

Audrey is survived by her husband of 66 years, William David (Dave) Hamilton; children: Beth Nichol (Andy), Dave Hamilton, Jr., Tammy Hamilton (Robbie Trotter), and Richard Hamilton (Blair). Audrey is also survived by the people who loved to call her Granny and will cherish her memory: Sarah Anderson (Jason) and their children: Stella and Jackson; Chris Nichol; Justin Teel and his children: Elli and Jasper; Kirk Teel (Sasha); Will Hamilton (Bri) and their children: Maya and Daniel; Kelley Hamilton (Gabby Saal); Emma K. Teel (Devin Manley) and their son, Roman; Adam Hamilton (Kate Fitts); Martin Hamilton; and Josie Hamilton.

In addition to her parents, Audrey was preceded in death by her brother, Thurman Kelley; and her son, Timothy (Timbo) Hamilton.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed.