Vernice O. Hamilton's Obituary
Mrs. Vernice Ozella Hamilton, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 3, 2020. She was born on March 29, 1926 to Jessie and Mattie (Rose) Lewis in Bengal, Oklahoma. Vernice married Harold Hamilton on March 16, 1946 and he preceded her in death on August 4, 1989. She was a strong and independent woman who always stood her ground. This was evident when she picketed on her lunch break while working at Norge Borg Warner in 1948 for equal pay and got it. Vernice was a lifelong Democrat who worked many elections for the City of Muskegon. She was a faithful member of Shoreline Community Church and dedicated many years serving on the board of the Muskegon Conservation Club where she and Harold had a boat slip. She is survived by her son, Gregory Blackwell; granddaughter, Christina (Paul) Jarvis, sister, Joye Salazar; and nieces and nephews, Robert Kahl, Brenda Schultz, Joyce Kahl, Memi Kahl, Carrie Salazar and David Fiffer. Along with her husband, Harold, Vernice was also preceded in death by her sister, Eunice Lawrence. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will take place in the summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vernice’s memory may be directed to the Muskegon Conservation Club (P/O Box 5319 North Muskegon, MI 49445). Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com and remember a favorite quote of Vernice’s, “Sunshine fades and shadows fall, But sweet memories outlast them all.”
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