Theda Carol Hamilton

Theda Carol Hamilton January 5, 1953 – December 20, 2025 Knoxville, Tennessee
Known to all as Carol, Theda Carol Hamilton passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of December 20, 2025.
Carol was born on January 5, 1953, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to Robert Donald Freeland and Sue Dell Barker Freeland. She was a loving mother to Shannon Hamilton and Sarah (Adam) Ailey, and a devoted grandmother to Willow Grace Ailey. In her later years, Carol was the full-time caregiver for her beloved husband, Steve C. Hamilton, to whom she had been married since November 17, 1973. Carol also spent multiple days each week visiting and caring for her mother, Sue Barker Freeland.
Carol was an avid reader who especially loved mystery and science fiction novels. She was a skilled viola player and had a deep appreciation for the arts. Carol and Steve traveled across the United States in a VW van with their Doberman Pinschers, Gonzo and Sheba, even honeymooning in the National Parks. She enjoyed creating stained glass and taught classes at the Knoxville Fine Arts and Crafts Center during the 1990s. Carol loved gardening, her beloved pets (Bambi and Lambchop), and spending weekends hunting for treasures at yard sales and thrift stores. She also cherished traveling with her daughters to New York, New Orleans, Atlantis in the Bahamas, Las Vegas, Kiawah Island, and the white beaches of Florida.
Carol graduated from Holston High School in 1970 as Salutatorian. During her undergraduate years at the University of Tennessee, she was an active member of Delta Zeta Sorority. After suffering a stroke, Carol persevered and went on to earn her Master's degree, and later achieved her Doctorate from the University of Tennessee-an accomplishment that reflected her determination and strength.
Carol began her professional career with Aetna Insurance. She later worked for Knox County as a Safety Supervisor in Risk Management/OSHA. She continued her career as an Independent Loss Control Consultant with Preferred Reports, and as an Independent Contractor for York Risk Control Services, LLC. For a brief period, she also served as Program Director of the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
Carol was not only a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, but also a cherished friend. She shared a lifelong friendship with Virginia Holliday, lovingly known as "Auntie Gin."
Carol is survived by her daughters, Shannon Hamilton and Sarah (Adam) Ailey; her granddaughter, Willow Grace Ailey; her husband of 52 years, Steve C. Hamilton; and her mother, Sue Barker Freeland. She is also survived by her brothers Robert (Pat) Freeland, with nieces Annie (Scott) and Chrissy, and Mark Freeland, with nieces Grace and Caroline, and nephew Will.
On Steve's side of the family, Carol is survived by her loving sisters-in-law Debbie (Guy) Jackson, with niece Autumn (Philip) and nephew Blake, and Cathy (Kent) Maples, with nephews Kendall, Bowden, and Christopher.
Carol was preceded in death by her father, Robert D. Freeland; her much-loved aunt and uncle, Graham Snow and Theda Snow Thomas; her mother-in-law, Callie Hamilton; and her father-in-law, Clarence Hamilton.
A private memorial will be held in her honor.
Words cannot express the depth of this loss. She will always be loved and deeply missed.
"Love you up to the sky."
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com