Ann Hamill-Smith passed away peacefully in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on August 8, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born in Lumberton, North Carolina to Mabel and Walter F. Hamill, Sr., and moved with her family to Norfolk, Virginia when she was a young girl.
Ann had a passion for education. She became a librarian and worked at Lake Taylor High School prior to beginning graduate studies in Christian Education at Sewanee: The University of the South. Both Ann’s personal and professional life were guided by her faith and commitment to God. She worked for many years in the Episcopal church, including child and adult Christian education, spiritual direction, Education for Ministry (EFM) and leading prayer groups. Ann also loved music and was an accomplished pianist.
Ann was close to completing her graduate studies when she had a tragic and life-altering automobile accident. During her recovery, she moved in with her daughter, Leslie Hodeen, son in law, Dr. Eric Hodeen, and grandson, Michael Hodeen. Her life’s passions expanded to include helping raise Michael, with whom she formed an amazing bond during the 13 years she lived with him. Ann’s last years were spent at Westminster-Canterbury in Virginia Beach where she was much loved by residents and staff alike. Ann was full of love and grace and saw only the good in people. She was a gift to all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters, Leslie Smith Hodeen (Dr. Eric Hodeen, deceased), Courtney Smith Johnson and her husband John Alan Johnson, her grandson Michael Eric Hodeen and his wife Emily O’Donnell Hodeen, her brother, Walter F. Hamill, Jr., niece Margaret Hamill Pidgeon, and grand nieces Lauren Cagle, Jillian LeBlanc, and their families.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at the Westminster-Canterbury Chapel on Monday August 14, 2023 at 1pm and is open to family and friends. Memorial donations may be sent to the WC Fellowship Fund, Westminster-Canterbury, 3100 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23451.