Carolyn A. Hamrick

Carolyn A. Hamrick, 86, of Gainesville, GA passed away peacefully with her family by her side Sunday January 31, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Born on November 5, 1934, Carolyn was the youngest of ten children of Henry & Nora Ash in Gainesville. She lived her entire life in Gainesville, marrying Bob Hamrick in 1953 and raising three children in the very best town in the world.

Carolyn was immensely dedicated to her family, serving as Room Mom for all three children, faithfully serving as Scout Leader for two troops, and attending all ball games and activities involving her children. At the age of 50, she was blessed to be in the role of Grandmother and soon affectionally known as “Mea” to her five grandkids. For the next generation in her life, she again attended every sporting event, piano or band concert, dance recital, and any other event as she made special memoires with her grandchildren. Nothing has come close to the delight of Carolyn watching them all grow into remarkable and responsible parents. Carolyn was a loyal supporter of Bob’s campaigns during the numerous Gainesville City Council elections and shared in Bob’s love for the Georgia Bulldogs during the decades of attending the football games.

For over 60 years, Carolyn has been a loyal member of the Gainesville First United Methodist Church, where she was active with the C.O.M.E.T Sunday School Class. She served as Youth Sunday School teacher & Youth Fellowship Leader, helped create the Mission Action Group, & participated in numerous Bible Studies throughout her life. She had a servant’s heart for helping others and was a Board Member with the Salvation Army for many years.

Carolyn enjoyed life’s simple pleasures including, hot coffee, chocolate, cherished friendships, walks on the beach, sunsets at St. Simon’s Island, Majestic Mountains and preparing enormous feasts for her loving family. She enjoyed traveling, with her most special trip being when she had the opportunity to tour the Holy Land. Her time and thoughts were always focused on her faith showing her unselfish love for family and friends. She had a natural gift with encouraging others, in her radiant smile was always present.

In addition to her husband, Bob, Carolyn is survived by her three children; Susan (Don) Cargile, Bobby (Frances) Hamrick & Jane (Jeff) Fitzpatrick; her cherished grandchildren, Rev. Zach (Stephanie) Fitzpatrick, Leanne (Mark) Reith, Rev. Ashley (Trey)Jenkins, Kacy (Shane) McMillian, & Jared (Kayla) Cargile; great grandchildren, Luke Cara, William, Noah, Morgan, Ellie, Jordan, Rylee, & Savannah; several nieces and nephews including, Sandy Kinsey and Margaret Bailey.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out with a card, a call, a text, or a meal. The family also wishes to acknowledge with grateful hearts the care and kindness of the staff with the Phoenix at Lake Lanier, Dayna Williams, RN with Hospice Northeast Georgia Medical Center and to express our sincere appreciation to Shanna Ware, Shirley Ware & Taylor Mullins for the gentle care, compassion, & service they provided Carolyn over the past few years and during the final days.

As an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may be sent to GFUMC Foundation, 2780 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30501 & The Salvation Army, 711 Dorsey Street, Gainesville, GA 30501.

A Private Service of Celebration will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 4, 2021 in the Chapel of The Gainesville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Zach Fitzpatrick, Rev. Ashley Jenkins & Rev. Carolyn Clifton officiating. Private burial will take place at Alta Vista Cemetery.

Masks and social distancing will be required in compliance with State guidelines.

Carolyn’s legacy of service, dedication, strength, and love will carry on with family and friends.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3 NIV)

Carolyn’s visitation room will be open from12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. for anyone who would like to come by and pay their respects on Wednesday February 3, 2021 at Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Carolyn Hamrick.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville. “A Family Funeral Home”