Annella “Nel” Hamilton, a Nashville resident since 1982, died Jan. 14, 2021 at Compass Park, Franklin IN, where she had lived for seven months.
Nel was born Nov. 24, 1930 in Pittsburg, PA, only child of Thurston and Regina Wynn Holmes. After graduating from Ambridge PA High School in 1948, and Spencerian Business College Cleveland, OH in 1949, she worked as an executive secretary in industry. Nel married Robert E., known here as – Hambone the Clown, Hamilton May 6, 1956, in Lakewood OH and they retired here in 1982.
A life-long Methodist in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, she was a devoted servant of Nashville’s United Methodist Church; acting in clown ministry with Hambone, and was proud of the joy his clowning brought to so many. A skilled seamstress, she created all his costumes! She also tracked church history and church finances. She was a loyal member of the Crystal Ringers bell choir, Green Room class, United Methodist Women, church council, mountain mission group, Friday morning work/breakfast group and
fall fare. Shut-ins loved her applesauce red jello; her dishes were favorites at breakfasts and dinners. Nel was known as a determined woman, who accomplished many things. Some would call her a mover and
a shaker.
Nel was a lifetime member of Brown County Historical Society, who, with Ada Jones, assumed responsibility of Pioneer Village activities. A long time director and constant volunteer, she received the Abe Martin and Grover Brown Awards. She established the Hambone endowment fund with the Brown County Community Foundation which benefits the historical society. Nel also was a life member of the Indiana Historical Society and active with the restoration of the West Baden Hotel.
In P.E.O., chapter CU, she was a Golden Girl (50 year member) who hosted their annual Artist Drive yard sale fundraiser. She played tenor saxophone with the Community Band, kept administrative files, and funded programs/managed wardrobe. Her “Corky’ cookies were favorites at receptions.
Nel gave generously to the Brown County Humane Society, Weekend Backpacks, Habitat for Humanity, Mother’s Cupboard, Turning Point, Brown County Playhouse, Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, and Indiana University. Her involvement and contributions were honored by the Lion’s Club when she was Grand Marshall (with Ada Jones) of the Spring Blossom Parade.
Nel was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 1998; three nephews and many beloved dogs. She also mourned the loss of three great friends, Ada Jones and Joanie/Ron Schoenenkt.
She is survived by her paternal cousins who gathered with her over a period of years in various places for joyous cousin reunions! Survivors include Gloria Holmes Middleton (James) Winona MS; Sandra Holmes West (Steve) Jackson MS; Gerry Holmes Whitfield Cleveland MS; and H.T. Holmes Jackson MS. In childhood, Nel, nickname Farine, spent many happy summers at the Holmes Place in Winona.
Other survivors are sister-in-law Ruth Hamilton McBride and niece Judith McBride Delavan Wi; grand nephews Michael McBride Lake Geneva WI; Timothy McBride FL; Kirk, Shaun and Ryan McBride Glendale, AZ ; grand niece Shannon McBride CA; and numerous children/grandchildren of same. She leaves a long family legacy of fun and hospitality.
Obituary: Annella M. Hamilton
Nel’s great loves were husband Bob, music, friends, clown ministry, cooking, dogs Morgie and Corky, the outdoors, and IU/Pittsburg sports teams. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Interment will be in Mansfield OH at a later date.
A memorial service will be held at Nashville United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. eastern time Sunday, Jan. 31. The service will be live-streamed and available online at www.nashvilleumc.com. Just click on the You Tube icon or go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmissaQu3pMDjUIKUOVCabQ.
Memorials may be designated to the charity of your choice.
