Frances Saunders Hamilton, 91, of the 500 block of Maycox Avenue, Norfolk, VA, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, November 19, 2009, after a lengthy illness, departing this world for Eternal life with the Lord. Born in Chowan County, North Carolina, to Haywood and Elizabeth Saunders, her family moved to Norfolk in 1936. Here she met and married her lifelong sweetheart, remaining blissfully wed for over seventy years. A caring and loving wife and mother, Mrs. Hamilton was a member of Talbot Park Baptist Church, its Esther Bible Class, and in past years served faithfully on the flower committee and in the Edith Vaughn Group of the Women's Missionary Union. She enjoyed gardening and music and loved doing things with her family. Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Theron Vernon Hamilton; three daughters, Frances Ann Nichols and husband, Mason, of Virginia Beach, VA, Susan Kathryn Mattingly and husband, Ed, of Mechanicsville, MD, and Elizabeth (Betty) McCraney Dail and husband, Ray, of Yorktown, VA; eight grandchildren, Amy Leebrick, Scott Nichols, Eric Nichols, all of Virginia Beach, VA, Leonard Ferris, Jr., Kelly Childress, Kevin Ferris, all of Maryland, and Erin McCuller and David Andrew Dail, both of Yorktown, VA; and twelve great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hamilton was predeceased by her only son, David Vernon Hamilton; her only sibling, a sister, Kathryn Saunders Perry; and her parents. The family would like to thank Seniorcorp and special caregivers Jackie Wilborn, Tamara Charity, and Carolyn Guilford, as well as Bon Secours Hospice. A funeral will be held in the chapel at Talbot Park Baptist Church in Norfolk on Monday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Keith Martin officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. A private interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, VA. Memorial donations may be made to Talbot Park Baptist Missions Fund, 6919 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505, or to the Alzheimer's Association, 20 Interstate Corporation Center, Suite 233, Norfolk, VA 23502. Arrangements are under the direction of Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, Norfolk, VA.