Cathleen Hamilton Thomas

Cathleen Hamilton Thomas (Cathy), 72, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 after a short illness while surrounded by family.

Born in Leavenworth, Kansas to Bela and Maxine Hamilton, Cathy was the oldest of 7 siblings. She graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1968. After graduation, Cathy met the love of her life, Don who was stationed in Leavenworth. The couple then moved to Hinesville, Georgia where they were married and raised their three children, Donny, Kimberly and Rhonda.

Cathy made her career in civil service, most of which was spent in Contracting. However, her Fort Stewart family spreads among many departments and directorates.  After retiring from a successful career, coupled with her love of knowledge and learning, Cathy was ready for a new adventure in business ownership. She loved Downtown Hinesville and was excited to own Molly Maxine/Merle Norman on Main Street with her daughters. She was also interested in real estate and became a licensed Realtor and worked with Coldwell Banker Southern Coast Realty in 2018.

Cathy had a servant’s heart and actively served her church and community. As a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, she served in many leadership roles at the church over the years. Her favorite was teaching the 8th grade Confirmation class for many years. She also served in various capacities with local organizations to include SCORE Counseling, the Hinesville Downtown Merchants, Hinesville Historic Preservation Commission, GeoVista Credit Union and the Hinesville Area Board of Realtors.

Of all the jobs, hobbies, roles and titles she held, the most treasured title to her was that of Momma and Nana (and Nana was by far her favorite)! Each of her granddaughters would declare that she is Nana’s favorite, and each of them would be right.  She loved them all with all that she had.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Thomas; her parents, Bela and Maxine Hamilton; and her son-in-law, Bobby Ryon.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Donny (Tracey) Thomas, Kim Ryon and Rhonda Thomas (Neil Tedder); her grandchildren, Ryan Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Sean Thomas, Jennifer (Dana) Long, Stephen Ryon, Riley Davis, Peyton Davis, Bradi Ryon, Ava Kersten and Oliva Tedder; great-grandchildren, Hadley Long, Mallory Long and Addison Tompkins; siblings, Nancy Hamilton, Carol Hamilton, Barbara Fitzgerald, Philip Hamilton, Laura McGuire and Linda Robertson; and a number of cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A walk-through visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at St. Stephen Catholic Church. To view the service via Livestream please visit www.facebook.com/cfhbchapel2. 

If you would like to honor Cathy in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen Catholic Church 399 Woodland Dr. Hinesville or Kiwanis Club Liberty County P.O. Box 57, Hinesville.   

Carter Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.