Reverend Shirley Dietta Hamilton

On March 9, 1952, Edward A. Thomas, Sr. and Pauline C. Thomas were blessed with a precious gift from Heaven — their daughter, Shirley Dietta Thomas, born in Chester, PA. From her first breath, Shirley was a light, a joy, and a blessing to all who would come to know her.

During her early childhood, the Thomas family relocated to New London, CT, where Shirley thrived in the warmth and closeness of a lively, multi-family household. A gifted student with a love for writing, she excelled in the New London Public School System and went on to attend Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT, earning the degree of Associate of Science in 2021. She later embarked on a career with Southern New England Telephone Company, where she faithfully served as a telephone operator then service representative until her retirement.

However, Shirley’s greatest devotion was not to work, but to her walk with the Lord. She often described herself as “a loyal daughter to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit”. Her life reflected that truth. She ministered through music as a member of the gospel group Voices of Divine Love, served as a missionary with the Willing Workers Ministry at Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Old Saybrook, CT where she led as president of the usher ministry before serving at Shiloh Baptist Church in New London, CT with the Media and Sound Production Ministry from 1992-2015 and the Shiloh Healing Hearts Ministry from 2000-2012. Shirley lived her faith with a steadfast sweetness of spirit that touched countless lives.

Her ministry extended far beyond church walls. Many will remember the joy of receiving a handwritten card, an encouraging phone call, or a prayer-filled note in the mail. Others found themselves blessed by her books and letters that pointed hearts toward Christ. When needed, Shirley gave loving correction — always covered in grace and truth.

She also expressed her love through cooking and hospitality. Her kitchen was a place of joy, where stuffed shrimp, Thanksgiving spreads, and desserts like coconut cake, walnut cake, and banana split cake became vessels of fellowship and celebration. Around her table, hearts were nourished as much as bodies.

On Valentine’s Day, 1982, Shirley accepted a date with her soulmate, Reverend Kenneth Hamilton. Two years later, on August 18, 1984, they were united in marriage. Together, they built a partnership grounded in love, faith, and service. They nurtured family and community, serving hand in hand in ministry and answering God’s call to preach His Word. Under the leadership of the Rt. Reverend Dr. Benjamin K. Watts at Shiloh Baptist Church in New London, they served as youth Sunday School leaders, Bethel Scholars, and new members’ orientation instructors.

Shirley accepted her call to ministry in 1989, was licensed to preach the Gospel in 1997, and was ordained in 2015. Her every step was purposed to glorify God. In 2023, she published her Spirit-led book, What If? A Critical Analysis of Our Society for Such a Time as This, offering biblical truth and apologetic wisdom to a world in desperate need of our Savior.

On Friday, August 22, 2025, Shirley peacefully took the hand of the Lord and entered into eternal rest. She was welcomed home by the embrace of her parents, Edward Sr. and Pauline, along with her brothers, Edward A. Thomas, Jr. and Wayne E. Thomas, and a chorus of angels rejoicing as she received her Heavenly Crown.

To cherish her memory and celebrate her legacy, Shirley leaves her beloved husband, Reverend Kenneth Hamilton; her eldest sister, Mary P. Self both of New London, CT; cousins Lewis E. Thomas, Sr. of New London, CT and Retrinda Thomas of Trumball, CT; Joanne Davis and family of Chester, PA; her beloved nieces and nephews; her covenant partners, “The Christian Bond”; and a host of dear friends and loved ones whose lives were forever touched by her compassion, wisdom, and unshakable faith.

Reverend Shirley Dietta Hamilton lived a life of love, service, and devotion — never compromising righteousness and always pointing hearts closer to Jesus. Today, we rejoice in her legacy, knowing that the seeds she planted continue to bear fruit in us all.