Betty "Grandma Betty" Jean (Clarkson) Hamilton

Betty Jean (Clarkson) Hamilton, 85, of Fellowsville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 6, 1940, at home in Fellowsville, Betty was the beloved daughter of the late William Earl Clarkson Sr. and Mildred Loreen (Thomas) Clarkson. A proud graduate of Fellowsville High School, Class of 1958, she carried the values of hard work, kindness, and community with her throughout her life. Betty devoted 26 years of service to the Preston County Board of Education, retiring in 2008 as a dedicated aide at Kingwood and Fellowsville schools. Even after retirement, her heart remained with the students, and she continued to volunteer her time. She also shared her keen eye for detail as a proofreader for the Dominion Post. Her life was a beautiful reflection of unwavering service and deep-rooted community spirit. Betty’s journey with 4-H began as a young camper in 1952 and blossomed into a lifelong commitment. She became a respected leader, mentor, and role model, earning honors such as Mingo Sagamore and Preston County 4-H All Star. Through clubs, camps, and competitions, she inspired generations of young people, always encouraging them to grow, learn, and believe in themselves. Betty’s love for the land was equally profound. She championed conservation efforts, organizing stream cleanups, building bluebird houses, planting trees, and helping establish programs like Adopt-a-Highway and local recycling initiatives. Through her actions, she taught others the importance of caring for the environment and leaving it better for future generations. She also had a special gift for bringing people together. Whether founding the “Adopt a Grandparent” program, supporting community events, or lending a helping hand wherever needed, Betty strengthened bonds and uplifted those around her. Her involvement with the Sandy Creek CEOS for 63 years, along with her faithful service in her church and community, touched countless lives in quiet but powerful ways. A devoted member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Betty served as a Sunday School teacher and lived her faith through compassion, generosity, and service to others. Betty is survived by her loving husband of over 66 years, Terry Duane Hamilton, whom she married on January 1, 1960. She leaves behind her cherished children: Cheryl Snow (Bob) of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; Keith Hamilton (Debbie) of Fellowsville; and daughter-in-law Amy Elizabeth (Norton) Hamilton, Fellowsville. She was a proud grandmother to Jimmy Hamilton (Stephanie), Morgan Phillips (Jacob), Chris Brown (Delaney), Maddie Brown (Edwin), Kaylee Snow (Auztin), Hunter Snow, Kendra Bryan (John), Dylan Hamilton (Abby), and Colby Hamilton (Taylor), and a loving great-grandmother to Amy, Hayley, Madelynn, Blaine, Bailey, Easton, Jameson, Gavin, Reid, Kellan and one great-granddaughter on the way. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Linda Clarkson; brothers-in-law Kevin Hamilton and Diane of Fellowsville; Adrian Wolfe of Laurel Mountain Community; and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her with great affection. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Duane “Beef” Kirk Hamilton; her brothers William “Earl” Clarkson Jr. (Willa “Joane”), Paul Clarkson, and Herbert Neil Clarkson (Lana); brother-in-law Norman Lane Hamilton (Marjorie Ann); and sister-in-law Kathy Wolfe. Family and friends will be received at Bolyard Funeral Home, 79 Morgantown Street, Newburg, West Virginia, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Mount Zion United Methodist Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Margie Waybright officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Preston County 4-H Foundation for Camp Scholarships 106 West Main Street Suite 201 Kingwood WV 26537 or Sandy Creek CEOS c/o Stephanie Duncan 1897 Stevensburg Road Tunnelton WV 26444. Online condolences may be sent to www.bolyardfuneralhomewv.com. Bolyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hamilton family. Betty’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the community she strengthened, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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