Lillie Ruth Hamilton, affectionately known as Grandma, Grandma Lillie, Lillie Boo, and lovingly called “Management,” entered eternal rest on May 13, 2026, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She was born on August 26, 1943, in Edgefield, South Carolina, to John Samuel Reynolds and Minnie Lee Jones Reynolds.

Lillie lived a life defined by faith, strength, perseverance, and unconditional love for her family. As a young woman in Edgefield, South Carolina, she was a straight-A student, played basketball, and was crowned homecoming queen. She later married her beloved husband, Matthew Hamilton, and moved to Washington, D.C., where she built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and determination.

Committed to education and growth, Lillie earned her GED and later received her Associate in Arts Degree in Business Management from Strayer College in June 1993. After passing the Civil Service Exam, she began a distinguished federal career that spanned 33 years, 9 months, and 3 days. Through dedication and excellence, she advanced from a GS-8 to a GS-13 Program Manager of Accounting with the Internal Revenue Service, receiving numerous awards and recognition throughout her service.

Lillie was the heart of her family. Meticulous, nurturing, and dependable, she was often known as the breadwinner, the banker, the doctor of the family, and the prayer warrior. She lovingly raised her three sons—Derrick, Driscoll, and Dana Hamilton—and later selflessly helped raise her grandchildren, always providing love, wisdom, and stability.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully served at First Baptist Church of Fairmont Heights, Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, and Tabernacle Baptist Assembly, where she was consecrated as a Deaconess on May 30, 2021. At Mount Calvary, she served in numerous ministries including the Scholarship Ministry, Pastor Concerns Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Women’s Auxiliary, Church Choir, Tones of Joy Youth Choir, Dance Ministry, Birthday Month Leadership, and as an instructor in Children’s Ministry.

Lillie had a servant’s heart and a joyful spirit. She was known for her compassionate nature, her affectionate laugh, and her ability to encourage everyone she encountered. Whether visiting loved ones in hospitals, supporting church members, or uplifting others through prayer and kindness, she lived by the words:“If I can help someone along the way, then I have not lived my life in vain.”

She also expressed love through her soulful Southern cooking, especially her beloved macaroni and cheese, turkey wings, green beans, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. Her home was often filled with gospel music, and she could frequently be heard singing songs by Shirley Caesar and The Williams Brothers.

Despite enduring tremendous loss, including her husband and all three of her sons, Lillie remained steadfast in faith and grace, often compared to Job and Ruth for her strength and perseverance.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Matthew Hamilton; her parents, John Samuel Reynolds and Minnie Lee Jones Reynolds; her sons, Derrick, Driscoll, and Dana Hamilton; her brothers, John “Junior,” Thomas, and Walter Reynolds; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Roberts Hamilton; and her grandsons, Derrick Darden and DeAnté Darden.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved grandchildren: Darnell Eaton, Porscher Leverette, Janay Roberts, Dana Blake, Driscoll Warner, Danisha Hamilton, Monique Hamilton, and DeAndré Easterling; her daughter-in-law, Antoinette “Blossom” Hamilton; and her beloved siblings, Jennie Giles, James Reynolds, William Reynolds, Robert Reynolds, Theodore Reynolds, Calvin Reynolds, Mary Reynolds, and Cindy Reynolds; along with extended family, church family, and many dear friends.

Lillie Ruth Hamilton leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at City of Praise, 8501 Jericho City Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785. Wake: 10:00 a.m. | Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. | Interment: National Harmony Memorial Park

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Arrangements entrusted to Strickland Funeral Services of Camp Springs, MD.

Announcement courtsey of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary