Velma Amalia Hamilton

Chandler. She was born in High Point, N.C. in 1950, the eldest of four children. Even at a

young age, Pastor Velma exemplified a deep compassion and love for God and people. She

was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of twelve (12).

Her family relocated to San Dimas California, and there she completed her early childhood

education and in 1968 graduated from Bonita High School in La Verne CA. After high school

she pursued a career in business and attended Sawyer’s Business College in Pomona CA.

Pastor Velma still wanted more of God. Year after year she and her sister Joan would travel to

Bethlehem Healing Temple in Chicago, Illinois. The trips were made to receive more of

God’s word and fellowship under the leadership of Bishop Charles and Mother Maddie Pool.

At Bethlehem Healing Temple she met her godmother, Pastor Black from Brooklyn New

York. She soon moved to New York to join Pastor Black’s church and continue her spiritual

walk with God.

After several years, Pastor Velma returned home to San Dimas, CA. When her mother,

Evangelist Alma Chandler was asked to run a revival in Phoenix, Arizona, Pastor Velma

joined her at the revival. There she met and fell in love with Ruther C. Hamilton. They were

united in marriage when Velma was 21 years old, and that same year she was called to the

ministry. She subsequently left a promising career in the business world to pursue God’s

calling on her life. God gave her a burden for souls, and she and her husband, Elder Hamilton

worked faithfully in the Lord’s ministry for 49 years. On March 9, 2021 God called her

home.

This scripture paints a true picture of the life of Pastor Hamilton, who later in her ministry was

called by God to be the Mother-in-the-Gospel for God’s Children: “I have fought a good fight,

I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of

righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me

only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Survived by her death: her loving husband, Elder Ruther C. Hamilton; Children: Gidgette

Murray, Rutha Arterberry (Marcus), Anthony Hamilton (Jessica), Deborah Solomon

(Michael), and Jacqueline Hamilton; 9 grandchildren; 4 godchildren; Aunt: Lucille Anderson;

Two sisters: Joan Riley and Dorcas Chandler; 2 nephews and 2 nieces, and a host of cousins,

and spiritual sons and daughters who affectionately call her “Mom.” Preceding her in death:

Parents: Garland Sr. and Alma Chandler: daughter: Lawanda Nixon (Marcus); brother:

Garland Jr. Chandler (Cheryl), and niece: Keisha Riley.