Burnell Hamilton

Burnell was born June 10, 1924 to Lloyd Lively and Velma Faught Lively. Burnell and her sister Elbertine grew up in a farming and ranching family. Living on both the Roscoe Perkins Ranch and Bean Ranch until finally settling in Adamsville on the Barnes Ranch. The two girls would reluctantly ride their pony to school in Adamsville until they attended high school in Lampasas. In high school Burnell enjoyed playing basketball and was voted Senior Class Favorite! On February 20, 1942 Burnell married Luther D. (L.D.) Higgins in Hamilton, Texas. Over the next two years they were stationed in Washington and California until returning to Adamsville to continue operating the General Store and Post Office. On July 28, 1944 they had their first daughter Frances Kaye Higgins (Ruman). Five years later, on September 4, 1949 Vicki Lynn Higgins (Emerson) was born. Growing up farming and ranching the entire family was active in the cattle show circuit. Burnell was 4-H leader for 18 years and was instrumental in raising money for the Adamsville Community Building as well as the Lampasas County Show Barn. Friends, neighbors and community were very important to Burnell and she was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.   In 1966 L.D. passed away and Burnell continued to operate the General Store and Post Office as well as ranching. In 1969, she sold the store in Adamsville and put down roots in Lampasas. Burnell and her dear friend Betsy Lacy opened Ann’s Ladies Shop on the square until moving to a larger location on Key Avenue. With hard work, dedication and a lot of laughter Ann’s Ladies Shop and The Other Place would remain in business until 1994. During their time in business the ladies would often head to Houston for the Livestock Show & Rodeo to set up shop. It was always a fun time. After she retired she worked periodically for Coming Home Furniture with owners Eddie and Debby Bowden. Socializing with people and making them feel welcome was her gift!   Burnell believed in community and getting involved. She was the first woman to be on the Lampasas Chamber of Commerce as well as the first woman President of the Chamber of Commerce! She was the Grand Marshall of the Spring Ho Parade and was on the Spring Ho Committee hosting several “let down” parties on her patio. She was on the Rollins Brook Hospital Committee and the Lampasas Industrial Committee and Council to write the City Charter. She was also President of the Y.O. Ranch Social Club.   Burnell was a strong, loyal and independent woman. She grew up in difficult times and had many hardships throughout her life. She was there for both daughters and their young families while they battled cancer at the same time. Her oldest daughter Kaye losing her battle in 1983. Despite the dark times she leaned on her community, faith and friends. Laughter was always the best medicine!   In her later years, she spent her time keeping up with her 4 grandkids and 6 great-grandkids. Since she was an avid sports fan she enjoyed hearing about all their various activities. Burnell had a huge heart and a tremendous love for her family and friends and all that make up the Adamsville and Lampasas communities.   Burnell is survived by her daughter Vicki Higgins Emerson (Bob); sister Elbertine Ware; son-in-law Peter Ruman (Melinda); grandchildren Ashley Ruman vonEschenbach (Chris), Courtney Ruman Chisholm, Macy Emerson Blankenship (JJ), and Molly Emerson McGuire (Brad); great-grandchildren Kathryn Kaye Chisholm, Margaret Chisholm, John Kelley Chisholm, Kirby Blankenship, Allie McGuire and Hadlee McGuire. She will also be remembered by her 2 nieces, nephew, extended family, dear friends and caregivers.   She is preceded in death by her father Lloyd Lively, her mother Velma Faught Lively, her daughter Kaye Higgins Ruman and her brother-in-law, Marvin Ware.   It was caregivers that gave Burnell exemplary nursing care with stellar kindness and compassion. They all touched our hearts and comforted our spirits during the darkest moment of our lives. They made sure she was comfortable and treated her with utmost respect. The family appreciates them all. Dr. Morris Patteson and his staff, Tessa Johnson, LaDale Faught, Hilda Wehtzel, Liz Chia, Sliver Creek Assisted Living and Lampasas Nursing & Rehab.   Pallbearers; Pete Ruman, Bob Emerson, Chris vonEschenbach, JJ Blankenship, Kirby Blankenship, Brad McGuire   Honorary Pallbearers; Jarvis Herbst, Fred Willis, Dr. Al Bishop, George Herrmann, Corky Richardson, Wade Lacy   Visitation will be Sunday April 29, 2018 from 5-7 pm at Sneed Funeral Chapel. Funeral service is Monday April 30, 2018 at 10 am at First Baptist Church, burial will follow in Townsend Cemetery near Adamsville.   Memorials can be sent to Lampasas County Youth Livestock Association or Rollins-Brook Community Hospital.