March 12, 1930 – May 9, 2017
Shirley Jenkins Hamilton passed away suddenly on May 9, at home. She was born in Marion, S.C., on March 12, 1930, to parents Luke and Sivil Jenkins. After graduating from Coker University (Hartsville, S.C.) in 1950 and teaching in Georgia and South Carolina, she moved to Charlotte in 1956 and continued teaching at East Mecklenburg High School. It was there she met her husband to whom she was married for 58 years. She continued her career teaching mathematics at East, Garinger, and Providence Day for a total of 37 years. As a devoted teacher, wife, mother and grandmother, Shirley positively and profoundly impacted the lives of many people. Shirley is survived by her husband Haywood and their two sons; Hank (wife Tonya and grandsons Corey and Luke), Tom (wife Traci and grandson Clay and granddaughter Kate), brother Ralph Jenkins and sister Frances Garrison; preceding her in death, granddaughter Addie Hamilton. A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, where she was a charter member, on Saturday, May 13, at 11:00 am EDT. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 4855 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28205.