Janice Stephenson Hamilton, fondly known as Jan among her loved ones, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2025, in her hometown of Berea. Born on Dec. 5, 1931, to the late John "Jay" Wesley and Esther Claire Brandenburg Stephenson, she embraced the world with a creative spirit and a dedication to the community that would touch countless lives over her 93 years.
Jan's roots ran deep in Berea, as did her commitment to education. After graduating from Berea Foundation School, she broadened her horizons at Bowling Green University in Ohio before returning to her roots, where she completed her teaching degree at Berea College. She poured her energy and love into the next generation as a teacher for 20 years with the Berea Community School system. Her passion for learning and teaching shaped the lives of many students, who often remembered her fondly long after leaving her classroom.
Jan's artistic soul found expression through her love of basket weaving and poetry. She was a cherished member of Union Church, contributing to the community with her time, talent, and the beauty of her flower arrangements that adorned the sanctuary on Sundays. Her creative fingerprints can be found in every verse she wrote, every basket she crafted, and every bouquet she arranged. Music was woven through the fabric of her life as well, with the piano being her faithful companion from grade school well into her golden years. She used this gift to bring joy to others, playing for residents at her nursing home with the same enthusiasm she once played for her friends and family.
Predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Bill Hamilton, Jr., and her sister-in-law, Anne Harper Stephenson, Jan's legacy continues through her loving family. She is survived by her cherished brother, John William Stephenson; her devoted children, Robin (Keith) Hamilton Ammons, Karen Hamilton Reed, and Stuart (Kyle) Hamilton; her adored grandchildren, Adria (Greg) Sutherland, Lindsay (Travis) Meyer, Patrick (Giovanna) Hamilton, Rachel (Stan) Nickell, and Christopher Reed; as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Hamilton Meyer, Mattie Meyer, Rose Nickell, Asa Nickell, Ella Sutherland, Eva Sutherland, Urijah Reed, and Grayson Reed, who will all carry forward the memory of her warmth, her strength, and her boundless creativity. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Peggy Bicknell and Dolly Herdon, and brother-in-law, Richard Hamilton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at Lakes Funeral Home, with Pastor Kevin Slemp officiating. The family will be accepting friends from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.. Condolences may be left for the family at www.lakesfuneralhome.com
