Ivy Hamilton

Ivy Louise Taylor Hamilton was born on May 30, 1926, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to the late Samuel and Ida Maude Taylor. She was the fifth child for Samuel and Ida’s third child.  Ivy died at home peacefully in her sleep on January 31, 2025, at the age of 98. She lived a full and rewarding life.

 Ivy had twelve siblings: Ethlyn, Alice, Willesley, Agnes, David, Euphemia (Nellie), Inett, Dorrell, Mary, George, Leeson and Keith.  Her childhood days in Roehampton (Rock Hill) with her family were treasured memories.  She attended school in Roehampton as well. Growing up Ivy enjoyed being in the kitchen with her mother, whom she credited for her excellent culinary skills.  She loved to dance, especially at Uncle Michael’s parties, which was one of her favorite pastimes in Rock Hill. If you asked her what she enjoyed most, it was love of family, friends, and the fruitful land.

On August 29, 1948, Ivy L. Taylor married Gilbert O. Hamilton.  Together they moved to Kingston, Jamaica where she began her career as a seamstress and Gilbert as a soldier. The couple had eight children: Rusian (Fay), Easton (Bunny), Claudette, Paulette (Mitch), Kathleen (Little), Raymond, Althea and Denise.  Ivy was a loving wife and mother placing nothing before her family.  She was a pillar of strength for her little ones, as well as the community, and extended her generosity well beyond her own home. The neighbors loved her. In 1968 Ivy traveled alone to the United States seeking the American dream for her family. Three years later she had migrated everyone to New Jersey, where she eventually purchased a house, because she wanted her children to always have a backyard to play. She loved her children dearly and to this day they all speak lovingly of her. She stressed belief in God because through him all things were possible, and she lived by those words.

Ivy was employed as a Nursing Assistant at Roosevelt Hospital and New Jersey Home for Disabled Soldiers, from which she retired in 1994. Her hobbies included; crocheting, cooking, story telling, gardening and dancing.  She was also an avid fan of wrestling.  Ivy relished the simplicity of life and would sit on her back porch enjoying nature. Her added joy came from her grand and great grandchildren with whom she cherished spending time; Michelle, Renee, Christopher, Justin, Charlette, Amanda, Ashley, Joan, Hamilton (Tony), Sophia, Nolan, Ivy, Jordyn, Andrew Jr., Mason, Madison, Christian and Aria. She also considered Andrew Sr. a grandchild. 

                Ivy is survived by her eight children, thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, brother, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

                Ivy’s one surviving sibling, her brother George Taylor, resides in Birmingham, England with his spouse Sissylyn and family.  Ivy and George remained in close contact until her passing.

                She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Ida Taylor, husband Gilbert Hamilton, granddaughter Amanda Williams, and eleven siblings.

Ivy will be remembered for being a kind-hearted and loving person. She had an open door and a warm meal for anyone in need of advice or support without passing judgment. She was beautiful, encouraging, motivating, fearless, understanding, hilarious, and selfless; a true warrior and trailblazer.  Nothing and no one could stand in her way.  Many of those qualities she passed on to all her children.  We already miss the incredible person she was.  Our hearts are broken from losing her, but we find comfort in knowing she is at peace in God’s house. Forever loving and missing you. Rest in peace.

“When we see that star so bright, We know it’s you, our beloved guiding light.”

*****The Crowne Plaza is offering a special rate for funeral attendees****

Additional accommodations can be arranged by calling the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison, NJ. 

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