Clara Maxine Hamilton

Clara Maxine Hamilton was born on October 23, 1928, to John C. Reese and Lela “Crittenden” Reese. Maxine often joked that she was a “change-of-life baby,” as her mother was 40 years old when she was born. She entered the world in the two-story home on her family’s Cherokee allotted land in Proctor, Oklahoma—a place she always held close to her heart.

Maxine attended the Proctor schoolhouse from first through eighth grade. She skipped the third grade and, upon graduating eighth grade, was named valedictorian of her class. She continued her education at Westville High School, where she graduated in 1946.

In April of 1950, Maxine married Clyde Hamilton. Together they made their home in Proctor, Clearfork, Tulsa, and eventually Blackwell, Oklahoma, where Clyde worked at the Blackwell Zinc Smelter. During these years, Maxine devoted herself to her family and community. She was a loving housewife and mother of three, a Cub Scout den mother, a Brownie Girl Scout leader, a dedicated PTA member, and a trusted friend and neighbor to many.

When the smelter closed in 1974, Maxine and Clyde returned to Clearfork, settling on the Hamilton homestead where Clyde had been born and raised. After Clyde’s passing in 1990, Maxine moved back to Proctor, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Maxine was one of the oldest living residents of Proctor and was deeply involved in the community she loved. She was a faithful member of the Proctor Community Church and took great joy in sharing the history of the community and her family with anyone who would listen. For many years, she also served as a youth Sunday School teacher while living in Blackwell, leaving a lasting impression on countless young lives. Many of those children are now grown adults with families of their own and fondly remember Maxine’s deep love for the Bible and her unwavering dedication to teaching. She continued to reside on her family’s Cherokee allotted land, taking immense pride in her Cherokee heritage and the legacy passed down through generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lela Reese; her beloved husband, Clyde Hamilton; her sisters, Lola Kindle and Anna Moss; and her brothers, Chester Reese, Lester Reese and Jessie Reese.

Maxine is survived by her three children: Randy Hamilton and wife Mary of Alva, Oklahoma; Gary Hamilton and wife Susan of Lyons, Colorado; and Carla Henson and husband Kenny of Proctor, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Paul Hamilton and wife Margo, Lynn Hamilton, Todd Hamilton and wife Kendra, Amber Hamilton, Clint Hamilton, Cody Hamilton and wife Kennedy, Jeremy Hamilton, and KenLea Keys and husband Derek; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Maxine’s life was rooted in family, faith, heritage, and community. Her stories, kindness, and quiet strength will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Proctor Community Church and mailed to Freeda Bateman, 69996 S. 4700 Rd., Westville, OK 74960.