Helen June Hamilton

Helen June Hamilton was born in Lexington, TN to Victor J. and Fannie Mae Sykes on August 6, 1933. She was the youngest sister of Lena Mae and Louise and grew up on the family farm, active in 4-H Club and the school band. Helen married her husband, Joe Harold Hamilton, on March 26, 1950. Living in Jackson, TN, they had three of their four children, Charlotte, Steven, and Timothy. In 1958, they moved to Chicago where Sandra was born a few years later. In Chicago, Helen and Joe built a business and a community. They started T.P. Electronics on Pulaski Avenue in 1978, specializing in C.B. radios. Helen, known as “Hush Puppy” and Joe, known as “Old Bear”, were members of the Southwest CB Club and the Loyal Order of the Moose. Helen worked for Match Corp making matches, General Foods as a lab technician, and later for the U.S. Census Bureau where she was regarded as an outstanding field representative. She also served as a local election judge. Helen loved her family and was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Through her love of quilting and sewing, she created many handmade gifts for many celebrations: birthdays, holidays, graduations, and weddings. Passionate about family, Helen loved researching genealogy. While she loved sharing storied, her research was impressive, leading to her acceptance as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and official certification from the East Tennessee Historical Society as a member of the First Families of Tennessee. The Tennessee State Department of Agriculture also awarded the Sykes family farm with a Family Land Heritage Certificate of Honor for two centuries of continuous family ownership. She was proud of these accomplishments. Throughout life, Helen continues her connections to her community as an active member of First Baptist Church of Willow Springs and Swinging Senior Square Dancers. She participated actively in her local senior centers, wining at cards and bingo. She was incredibly active and loved life. Helen passed peacefully on January 23, 2025. She is survived by three of her children, Timothy (Donna) Hamilton, Sandra (Steven) Szczyrk, and Steven (Kim) Hamilton, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also is survived by former daughter in law, Joyce Wray and son in law, Charlotte’s husband, Harold Hutchinson and will be missed by many family members and friends. Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Charlotte. She was rest at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Lexington, TN on Saturday, February 1 at 11AM with her husband Joe and daughter Charlotte. Reed’s Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Helen June Hamilton

August 6, 1933 - January 23, 2025