Rachel A Hamilton

Lafayette - Rachel A Hamilton, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2025 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Lafayette. Rachel was born on March 27, 1932 in Savannah, Tennessee, and she was a resident of Lafayette. She grew up in Tennessee, but also lived in California, New York, North Carolina, and then spent her final days in Louisiana. She received a B.S. degree from Memphis State College, and then went on to earn an M.A. degree in English from Wagner College. She taught English at various levels of education. In 1955, she married Lynn R. Hamilton and they had two sons: Mark and John. The family moved around often through Dr. Hamilton’s residency in general surgery and orthopedics before settling in New Orleans, where Rachel taught English at the University of New Orleans, which at the time was a branch of LSU. Dr. Hamilton joined the medical staff of the Ochsner Clinic. Dr. Ochsner did not typically approve of staff wives working, but did approve of them riding bicycles, as Rachel learned when she pedaled over to one of Mrs. Ochsner’s lady parties. Rachel became interested in hand bookbinding, which she practiced for quite a long time, showing works in various galleries, and using the interest as a focus of travels to such centers of the craft as Aberystwyth in Wales. She also pursued independent studies in literature at centers of learning in this country and abroad. In 1994, Dr. Hamilton retired from practice and the couple moved to Highlands, NC, where Rachel was active with environmental organizations, gardening, and libraries, serving on the Highlands and Macon County Boards. After her husband died, Rachel remained in Highlands until Hurricane Katrina propelled her son, John, and his family to Winson-Salem and then later to Chapel Hill. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother during this time and shared her creativity with her granddaughter Lam, endlessly making craft projects together. Rachel always enjoyed being close to her family, and she spent her final days in Louisiana near her other son, Mark, and his family. Rachel is survived by her children, Mark Hamilton (Karen) and John Hamilton (Dr. Julia Lawrence); her grandchildren, Lam Hamilton, Kelly Such Stewart, and Carrie Such LaFleur; eight great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; as well as her dear friend of many years, Gavine Pitner from Salisbury, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Lynn R. Hamilton; as well as her parents, Ann and Dougal Abrams. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Conservation Trust for North Carolina in memory of Rachel: https://ctnc.org/about-us/ Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.

Rachel A Hamilton

March 27, 1932 - September 16, 2025