Syble Nicholson Hamilton

Syble Nicholson Hamilton, of 1526 Patton Avenue, Asheville, died Sunday, February 17, 2008, at her home. Mrs. Hamilton was born in East Flat Rock, the third of nine children born to Ziffie and Belva Allison Nicholson. She graduated from East Flat Rock High School and obtained her secondary education and certificates from the Educational Institute of the American Motel and Hotel Association and from the State of North Carolina Department of Community Colleges Vocational and Technical Division. In the late 1920's, Syble and her late husband Woodrow opened Hamilton's Grocery and General Merchandise in Enka, which Syble successfully operated while her husband was away in the war in Germany. In 1950, the couple built and opened the Hamiltonian Motel on Patton Avenue, which is still in operation as the Hamiltonian Business Park. Syble was a true pioneer, helping to pave the way for women in business in Western North Carolina. She was a strong force in the Asheville business community for many years. She had the honor of being the first female president of the Asheville Tourist Association, a position she held for four of the twenty plus years she was a participating member. For over 40 years Mrs. Hamilton was a devoted member of Abernethy United Methodist Church in West Asheville. In the last months of her life, Syble was lovingly cared for by her dedicates nurses, Shelly, Diana, Loretta, Bebe, Pam and Mitchell from The Hands of Mercy home health staffing agency. Syble is survived by her daughter, Kathy Hamilton of Asheville; her sister, Phyllis Nicholson Childrey of Chase City, VA; and by her dear companion, her dog Stubby. She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow and her brothers, Edward, Z.A., Clifton, George and Preston Nicholson and her sisters Velma Bane and Awa Edney. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Buddy Corbin officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, Hendersonville. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or to Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806.