Curtis V.( C.V. ) Hamilton

A Celebration of life for Mrs. Curtis 'C.V.'Hamilton 86 of Longview will take place at 10: am Friday from The St.Mark C.M.E Church in Longview, Texas. Her Bed of Rest will follow in Jordan Valley Memorial Park; Service is under the loving and caring hands of Bigham Mortuary. Mrs. Hamilton departed this life on Saturday September 28, 2013. Curtis better known as C.V. was born September 28,1927,in Mooringsport,La to the late John Thomas and Lichie V.Hardy Drayden.She was educated from the Longview Negro High. In 1953 Curtis signed on as secretary/receptionist for Nathaniel Bigham a newly established mortuary. It was then the beginning of a tenure that would last for 60 years, a quick learner. Rapidly learned the business and assumed management responsibilities. Upon Bigham's death she became Co Owner of Bigham Mortuary, she trained and mentored a number of individuals who currently are active in the mortuary business here in East Texas. In addition to her funeral home, she was a active participate in local civil rights activities. She was a member of the Heroines of Jericho St.Luke lodge 361,a licensed notary, insurance agent and a confidants to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, one grandson, two nephews and her devoted husband of 58 years. Mrs. Hamilton leaves to cherish her memory children; Irvin Hamilton Jr.(Tullia) St.Louis,Mo,Merrell Hamilton of Longview,Texas and Linda Gray of Dallas;Siblings;John Drayden of Ft.Worth,Patsy Kellum of Dallas and Brenda Gibson of Arlington,Tx.Grandchildren;Angelor Johnson of Shreveport,La,Felicia Gray of Dallas, late Aric Hamilton of St.Louis,Mo,Patrice Gray of Houston,Tx,Stephanie Howard (Jeremaine) of Longview,Tx,Kemba Elliot of Columbus,Oh,Ursula Smith (Williams) of Longview,Texas and Brandon Beck of Dallas,Tx.9 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A special thanks to her partners and extended family; Mary Bush, Vince Williams and Dr.Robert Harper for sharing their life with her. Special thanks also to Heart to Heart Hospice and most all especially for Yvonne Wallace, Donna Lewis,LaShonda Buchanan and Dr.Sanjay Reddy for their two years of caring and extraordinary work and chaplain Keith Lybrand for keeping her and the family replenished in our faith. Visitation will be from noon to 9: pm at Bigham