LaVerne Hamilton Obituary

LaVerne Ann Hamilton, age 84, went to be with the Lord on June 27, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
LaVerne was born on August 13, 1940, in Cokato, Minnesota, to Vernon Walberg and Ethel Eyestad. She graduated as the valedictorian of her high school and earned a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota.
She enlisted in the U.S. Marines, where she excelled during her service and earned a Good Conduct Medal. She also obtained top-secret clearance. During her military career, she served as the secretary to Colonel E.E. Hill and the Major. Additionally, she worked as a secretary at the main branch of First National Bank.
LaVerne's love for the Lord was the greatest joy of her life. Every week, she attended the Full Gospel Church in San Diego, CA, where she happily embraced her role as the Sunday school teacher. Beyond her teaching, she dedicated time to work in the church library. She also didn't shy away from laboring outside, helping to keep the church looking beautiful. Her commitment to her church family and her sincere desire to serve the Lord were evident in everything she did.
LaVerne was a homebody who cherished the comfort of her home. She had a taste for the finer things in life and preferred high-quality items. She even appeared in the fashion section of the San Diego, CA newspaper for her great style. Whenever she had the opportunity, she loved dining out, particularly at nice restaurants by the beach. One of her favorite places to eat was Peohe's by Coronado Island, CA.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Preston Hamilton; parents, Vernon and Ethel Walberg; brother, Lee Roy Walberg; grandson, Alexander Model; sister-in-laws, Maxine Whatley, Pauline Speyers, and Catherine Smith; brother-in-laws, Junior Whatley, Fred Speyers, Richard Smith, Warren LaPlante, and Ray Stephens; and niece, Connie Smith.
She is survived by her children, Tanya Thomas, Tracy and Vince Greco, Preston Christopher Hamilton; grandchildren, Cameron, Jessica, Carissa and Chloe Greco, Preston, and Parker Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Deegan and Deklan Hamilton; nephews, Matthew and Michael Walberg; and sister-in-laws, Carol LaPlante, Anita Smedley, and Donna Walberg
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (2200 E. Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN). After the service, she will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Preston.