Mrs. Maxine (Shannon) Hamilton

SALEM, NJ/BELLE GLADE, FL/UTICA, NY - Mrs. Maxine (Shannon) Hamilton, age 78, was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the same week as her beloved brother, Carl Oliver. She was surrounded by a room full of loved ones at the time of her passing. Born in Salem, NJ, on August 20, 1947, Maxine was the daughter of the late C.B. Shannon and Georgia (Smith) Rhodes. In her pre-teen years, she relocated to Belle Glade, FL. On October 24, 1965, Maxine married John B. Hamilton. The couple shared a love for the outdoors and could often be found fishing together. They raised five children and were married for 50 years before John’s passing in 2007. Maxine developed a strong work ethic early in life, working with her family as sharecroppers and helping tend the fields to support the household. Despite the challenges of the times in which she was raised, she grew into a kind, generous, hardworking woman of God. Maxine later graduated from cosmetology school and spent much of her life as a kitchen beautician. A stylist by day and a chef by night, the kitchen was her sanctuary, where she raised her children and provided for her family. Maxine was a woman of honesty and class, always dressed to the nines and often seen in a stunning dress or a fashionable hat. When she held love for someone, it was always clear, and when she had a problem with someone, that was equally evident. Her firm and disciplined ways were her way of showing love, guiding and keeping those around her on the right path. As a woman of faith, Maxine devoted her life to caring for those around her, from family and friends to neighbors and strangers. During the holidays, she spread joy by decorating and bringing festive cheer to everyone at Historic Park Apartments. A proud member of the House of God Church, she attended services regularly, sometimes up to three times a week. When she could not be physically present, she worshiped through television or radio. Maxine instilled in the hearts of her loved ones the importance of living life to the fullest, loving everyone regardless of their story or background, helping one another, and never being afraid to speak their peace. Maxine is survived by her children, Bobby Hamilton, Johnlee Hamilton, Micheal Hamilton, Regina Hamilton, and Arangerene Gregg-Curtis; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cared and loved for the following grandchildren as if they were her own, Whitney Hamilton-Ragin, Christopher Hamilton, Rayshonda Mungo-Gray, Jahbo Simpson, Laruth “YaYa” Hamilton-McCray, and Zahare Wright. She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Pricilla Bitting, Henry Oliver, Rosemary Bennett, Carlene Jones Colebrook, Dorothy Felton, Georgia Mae Smith, and Gloria Stenson. She held close to her heart her siblings who preceded her, David Shannon, and Carl Oliver. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Wynn Hospital Staff of 3-West for the care and compassion shown to Maxine and her loved ones during their time of need. Maxine’s family is eternally grateful to her daughter, Regina, who cared for her mother until her dying day. Memorial contributions in Maxine’s honor may be made to the Elizabeth Spiritual Worship Center online at https://www.givelify.com/donate/OTU1Mw==/selection or by mail to 2407 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810.

Mrs. Maxine (Shannon) Hamilton

August 20, 1947 - March 4, 2026