Denise Lane "Deni" Hamilton

Denise "Deni" Lane Hamilton, 71 passed away peacefully Saturday evening October 11th, 2025. She was born on October 15th, 1953 in Hamilton Ohio. The daughter of the late Rudolph "Rudy" Lane and Thelma "TJ" Theiss Lane. Deni began her life in a military home, moving all over the country with her two sisters. She went to multiple schools throughout her childhood and eventually graduated High School in Juno Alaska. She got her college degree in Georgia from Berry College in Phycology and Art.
Later, she followed her younger sister to Western University, where she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Hamilton. What began as a beautiful friendship blossomed into 47 years of marriage, filled with shared adventures, travels around the world, four children, eleven grandchildren, and a lasting legacy in Georgetown, Kentucky, where Bill was born and raised. For the first time in her life, Deni planted roots and found a place to call home. Those roots grew into strong, enduring trees, and from them, her remarkable legacy began.
She gave her heart and soul to her 4 children. She coached various teams, volunteered to head up Project Graduations, ran hospitality rooms for basketball games, opened her home for Birthday parties and celebrations and never missed one of the kid's sporting events. She was their go to person for advice, a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to and she quickly became "Mama Deni" for many other children in the community. Her love extended beyond her family. She decorated for countless weddings, even hosted some in her back yard and her favorite; hosting Sunday Dinner which was a Hamilton weekly tradition. She cherished her 11 grandchildren and always made the Holiday's so special for everyone. Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th & Easter were her favorites. Deni had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome, turning ordinary moments into celebrations, and filling every space with warmth, love, and the kind of generosity that touched all who knew her.
Deni spent the last 45 years of her life as a Real Estate Agent. When she moved to town, people told her she would never make it in sales because it was a small town and no one knew her. Little did they know Deni Hamilton dreamed big! She'd go on to run and operate her own Real Estate Company. She was a life time member of the TOP Producer's Club, was asked to serve on the Board for Realtor Community, the Board of Professional Standards, was appointed by the Governor of Kentucky to be a Real Estate Commissioner and was named Realtor of the Year in 2022 among more than 4,000 industry professionals. Deni was incredibly accomplished, but her greatest joy in real estate came from helping others. She had a servant's heart, always seeking the best for everyone she worked with, and more often than not, those she helped became lifelong friends.
Deni dreamed big, lived big and she loved big. She gave everything she had, right up to her very last breath. Living a life of true happiness, surrounded by family and friends and serving other. She was selfless in every way and she made this world a better place.
In addition to her husband Bill, she is survived by her children, Kyle (Stacy) Hamilton, Archibald (Chelsea) William Hamilton, VI and Carrie Hamilton (Steve) Lepore; her sister, Beth Lane (Duff) Jeffers; Grandchildren, Jersey Hamilton, Treylen Hamilton, Braxton Hamilton, Isabella Hamilton, Jayden Hamilton, Avery Hamilton, Charleigh Hamilton, Andi Hamilton, Archie Hamilton, Giuliana Lepore and Naomi Lepore. She was preceded in death by her son, Jarad Lang Hamilton and her sister, Krista Lane Cornell.
Visitation will be 3-8 PM Monday at Johnson's Funeral Home. A memorial service will be 11AM Tuesday at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, conducted by The Rev. Karen W. Booth. Burial will follow at the Machpelah Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, KY at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Deni's name to her favorite charities - the Boot's 'n Pearls Fundraiser or the Yuko-En Friendship Garden. Deni led efforts in organizing, decorating, and securing sponsorships for Boot's 'n Pearls and played a vital role in building the partnership that brought the Garden to Georgetown. All proceeds will go toward planting trees and other greenery to enhance the beauty of the Garden - all in her honor.
Boots 'n Pearls Fundraiser, c/o Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 1433, Georgetown, KY 40324 or
Yuko En Friendship Garden, 223 E Main Street, Georgetown KY 40324