Mrs. Rachel V. (Martin) Hamlett

YORKVILLE - Mrs. Rachel V. (Martin) Hamlett, age 98, peacefully entrusted her soul and being to her Lord as she passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023. She had been loved and cared for by her daughter Robbie, her blessed pearl whose soothing touch uplifted her mom through the years. Born in Louisville, Alabama on June 21, 1924, Rachel was the daughter of the late Foy Martin and Bessie (Brown) Martin. She was raised and educated in Clayton, Alabama where she excelled in the sport of basketball. In 1943 her mother Bessie relocated to the Utica area to seek out better opportunities for her family. She felt there were positive prospects and pathways here even though the country was facing the pangs of World War II. Bessie then sent for her daughter Rachel, and her son William Brown, along with her granddaughter Robbie. Rachel was fortunate to get a job at Savage Arms during the War effort. In 1944 she married George Hamlett and they made a promise and pledge to each other to maintain a happy, harmonious life with a Christian foundation. They were so attentive and dedicated to their daughter, Robbie, and hoped she would embrace the virtues and strength they exemplified. What a blessing! They made it so important that their outside ventures did not interfere with the harmony of their home life. In 1945, George and Rachel opened the Liberty Street Café at 118 Liberty Street, welcoming the community to patronize their new establishment. A year later, in 1946, they obtained a liquor license, and the Liberty Street Café became the iconic “Club George” adding to the booming multi-ethnic businesses during the golden years of downtown Utica. In the 1940’s and 1950’s, some of the biggest names in show business would perform in Utica at the majestic Stanley Theater, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie who hobnobbed with patrons at the club after a performance. These well-known celebrities would come down to Club George after hours to jam. It was concurrently convenient for them, because they all stayed at the centrally located, grand Hotel Utica! It was in 1989, that Miss Rachel, privately grieved the loss of her husband George with whom she had shared 45 years. Due to her fortitude, she continued to embrace the vision they had started together. After an amazing 61 years in business, Club George closed in 2006, earning the title of the oldest black-owned business in this area! An altruistic community activist at heart, Miss Rachel was a good listener and was able to assist and champion many whose stories are still told to this day. She was proud to be an African American, and as one who had acquired great knowledge and wisdom throughout years, it was known that she would speak her mind about issues. She was an independent woman who kept her advocacy intact to the very end. As a mom, Rachel taught her daughter Robbie to be her own progressive person, and make community acquaintances and alliances for the betterment of all. Being an only child, Robbie’s parents welcomed her friends and their ideas, and were always prepared to offer parental guidance in a minute’s notice! A classy, stylish woman, Miss Rachel dressed to a tee, and that was her hallmark ~ dress to impress! Miss Rachel was ageless in her appearance and apparel ~ she always wore heels… until she couldn’t anymore! She was a strong, self-confident, and sincere person who captured the attention of many people. She loved to be part of a good conversation and was respected by all who knew her. Miss Rachel and George traveled to any destination to visit their daughter and son-in-law, and family members who were living in various states over the years including Ohio, North Carolina, and California. It was important to Rachel to be close to her loved ones, even across the miles! She was a fabulous cook, and seasoned everything just right, including her specialties — dressing, and peach cobbler. Back in the day, dinner was a time to be together, discuss ideas, and settle things. They enjoyed a typical family life, and so much more, in their ‘village’ located in the area of Seneca Street, Liberty Street, Whitesboro Street, and the area near the tracks. Rachel and her daughter Robbie were great supporters of Levitt AMP Utica Music Series, and at one of their events on August 20, 2018, it was declared “Rachel Hamlett Day in the City of Utica”. She lived a dynamic life, graced by God with an unconquerable spirit and a tremendous faith in His Word. Rachel was one of the very first members of St. Paul’s Baptist Church and dedicated a lifetime of 80 years of devotion to her parish in several capacities, including serving as Deaconess, Trustee, Chairperson of countless events, Sunday School teacher, and Volunteer for any task that needed extra help; she was so organized and knew how to get things done with her own unique flair. She was recognized for many labors of love at the 100th Anniversary of her parish. Once again, “She was the one who held up the line because they all wanted to say hello to her”. “She did the best she could and left the results to God”. Miss Rachel is survived by her beloved daughter, Robbie Jean Dancy and her special friend, James Brantly. Miss Rachel never forget her late son-in-law, Eugene Dancy, who passed away in 1992. She also leaves her grandchildren, Adrienne and Monoleto Wilborn, and David Dancy and Hilda Lowenstein; great-grandchildren, Elijah Wilborn, and Indira Wilborn; and Barry Dancy. Miss Rachel knew the love of a “second daughter” Vita Watson with whom she shared a truly harmonious relationship, as well as Vita’s daughter, January “Jan,” whom Miss Rachel embellished and helped to raise as her own; and her other two daughters, Desrey, and Natasha. Jan’s children were also included in her life as grandchildren, Jayhili, who was especially close to the Hamlett’s, Jaeron, Jaceon, Jurrell and Jarius. She was preceded by her brother and sister-in-law, William and Julia Brown. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Andrea and Dean Westfal, William Brown Jr., and their families, especially Jackie Womack and Carrie Wright who were so attentive to their Aunt Rachel’s needs. She will be reunited with her best friends, Ann Berry, and Mildred Burke, as well as many others who preceded her. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Ramzi Nassif and his Nurse Practitioner, Nancy;, and their staff including Mo, Michele, and their co-workers who always fussed over Rachel which made the medical challenges much easier; Pastor Marilyn Bell who was connected to Rachel through heart and soul, and knew each other’s priorities; Pastor James Griffin who Rachel knew as a child and kept an eye on him. And now, as a beloved Pastor, in turn, he watched over her; the Church family who was so important to her. She served them with all her heart and they respected and honored her, never forgetting her good works; Missionary Phyllis Savage, who was Rachel’s shopping partner, consistently called in to see what was needed; and Missionary Pam Maddox Williams who was so dedicated to Miss Rachel and always wanted to be by her side; and to the Abraham House of Utica who opened their doors and home at a time when additional help was needed to care for Miss Rachel ~ that front room gave her a chance to see the community she had been so committed to, one last time. Visitation will be held Monday, January 30, 2023 from 10:30-12:00 noon at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St., Utica. Rachel’s Home Going and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon at the church upon conclusion of visitation. Those unable to attend may be present for the services virtually on Zoom; Meeting ID: 835-638-95-256, Passcode: 179797. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Rachel’s honor may be directed to Mid Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, P.O. Box 8639, 1709 Genesee St., Utica NY, 13505-8639. Interment will take place in New Forest Cemetery at the convenience of the family where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Mrs. Rachel V. (Martin) Hamlett

June 21, 1924 - January 20, 2023