Obituary of Marcheta W. Hamlin

C. Marcheta W. Hamlin of Binghamton, born in Americus, Georgia to the late Reverend Alphonso and Constance B. Walker Whitfield, passed away Friday, April 10, 2015 at Elizabeth Church Manor. She is the oldest of three, including Alphonso Whitfield, Jr. (Hazel) and Patricia O. (d. 1978). She graduated from Binghamton Central High School, attended Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. on a music scholarship, where she received her B.A. in Music Education (1947), graduating Cum Laude. She was the chapel organist, playing in the presence of Dr. Benjamin Mayes & Norman Vincent Peale. She pursued graduate studies in Music Education at Hartwick College, Cortland & Binghamton Universities and neared completion of this degree at Syracuse University. She was featured in Ebony magazine (1951) as part of the Bennett College Music Staff. She married Garland P. Hamlin (d. 2003) on August 18, 1949, whom she shared life and love with for nearly 54 years. She is survived by her two daughters, Constance H. Studgeon (Ike) and Lauren P. Hamlin (Debra Brown). She is also survived by the lights of her life, her grandson, Nathan I. Studgeon; her great-granddaughter, Eva; her "Nephson," Walter L. Jones (Audra); and a host of cousins; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; God-children, Robin Alves and Terrance Brown; and friends, all of them special and so cherished. Upon her return to Binghamton in 1951, she became choir director & organist at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church serving for over 55 years. In 1989, she was named Woman of the Year by Trinity. She remained a faithful and long-standing member at Trinity. She was active in the former Interracial Association, currently known as the Broome County Urban League, the Binghamton Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Music Educators. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Apalachin Alumnae Chapter, where she received their achievement award in 1986. In 1985, the Binghamton-Broome County YWCA honored her as a trailblazer of the county for her work in music. She was the first full-time African American music teacher in Broome County. This gentle, soft-spoken, classy soul lived her long life fully, cherishing every minute, focusing on family, faith and education. She touched many and leaves behind a gift of beautiful memories for all whom she touched. Her witty character was driven by believing "as good as any, better than some." Funeral services will be held at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, 203 Oak Street, Binghamton Thursday at 12 Noon. Reverend Paul Certer, her pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton. The family will receive friends at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church Thursday from 11 a.m. until 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, it was her wish that donations be made to TRINITY A.M.E. ZION CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND, 203 Oak Street, Binghamton, NY 13905.