Dr. Hunter D. Hamlett

Dr. Hunter Douglas Hamlett, of 20014 Roosevelt Ave., Colonial Heights, Va., departed this life on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007.

Dr. Hamlett was born in South Boston, Va., to the union of the late Silas and Mattie Hamlett. He received his early education in South Boston, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He earned a B.S. degree in biology from Virginia Union University, M.S. degree in embryology from Virginia State College (University), and a Ph.D. degree from The Ohio State University.

He joined Gillfield Baptist Church in 1961, and served on the Finance Board.

He was a professor emeritus of biology at Virginia State University where he worked for 34 years, serving as department chairman and dean of developmental studies. Prior to his employment at Virginia State, he worked at Havre de Grace High School, Maryland, and Dunbar High School, Lynchburg, Va. He also served as adjunct professor at The Ohio State University. After his retirement from Virginia State University, he continued to serve as an adjunct professor for two years.

Dr. Hamlett was a member of many professional and social organizations, including Virginia Academy of Science, American Association for Advancement of Science, Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Society, Sigma Ki Scientific Research Society, National Science Teachers Association, American Institute of Biological Sciences, Virginia Education Association, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, The Connecting Links, The Diques, and The Pests.

Among his accomplishments and special recognitions, faculty representative to The Ohio State University Visitation Days Program, recipient of institution award for highest number of graduate fellowships (65) 1971-1991, Science Teacher of the Year, Western District, recipient for four National Science Foundation Summer Fellowships, one academic year fellowship, National Institutes of Health Grants for Minority Access to Research Careers Program (MARC) 1982-1990.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Ford Hamlett of Colonial Heights, Va.; two sons, Dr. Gregory Hamlett (Dr. Brenda) of Prince William, Va., and Jeffrey Hamlett of Richmond, Va.; two granddaughters, Faith and Kirsten Hamlett of Prince William, Va.; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Woodard of Petersburg, Va., and Mrs. Pauline Graves (the Rev. Raymond) of Henrietta, N.Y.; two sisters-in-law, Earlyne Rose and Althea Lucas (James) of Fredericksburg, Va.; a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

A funeral service for will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2007, at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry St., Petersburg, the Rev. Dr. Grady W. Powell Sr., pastor emeritus of Gillfield Baptist Church, officiating and the Rev. Dr. Harold E. Braxton, interim pastor, delivering the eulogy. Interment to follow in the Sunset Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, at the funeral establishment.

The family will also receive friends at 20014 Roosevelt Ave., Colonial Heights, Va., and may be contact by calling (804) 526-6943.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Virginia State University, c/o President's Scholarship Fund, 1 Hayden Drive, Petersburg, VA 23806, or Gillfield Baptist Church, c/o Scholarship Fund, 209 Perry St., Petersburg, Va.

Online condolences are welcomed at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Dr. Hamlett and view a memorial video at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.