In Loving Memory of Susan Hamilton

August 26, 1970 - March 18, 2025

It is with great sorrow yet tremendous joy that we announce that Susan Clapp Hamilton went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 18, 2025. She was surrounded at home by her loving family after a brave five-year bout with cancer. She was 54 years old.

Born on August 26, 1970, Susan was the daughter of Bob and Judy Clapp, and the younger sister of Debbie Clapp Confer and Robin Clapp Muschalek. She married Timothy "Drew" Hamilton on August 17, 1996 and they were blessed with twin daughters, Lucy and Jane, in 2002, and son, Warren, in 2005. Drew was her true love and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Susan grew up in the Lake Highlands community in Dallas, Texas, where she attended White Rock Elementary, Lake Highlands Junior High, and Lake Highlands High School. She was a cheerleader, an officer on the Highlandette drill team, and a participant in Young Life. She also developed a deep love for dancing while at Kitty Carter's Dance Studio. Years later, her daughters also got the dancing bug at Kitty's studio like Susan decades prior.

Susan went on to earn a degree in Communications with a minor in Spanish at the University of Oklahoma. She loved her Sooners and made lasting friendships, particularly through her involvement in the Tri Delta sorority.

Susan was a devoted mother to Lucy, Jane, and Warren, always present in their lives, no matter the activity. She and Drew didn't miss soccer games, dance recitals, Bell Boy events, LH Wrangler performances, or anything else the kids loved to do, and she particularly enjoyed the Lake Highlands state basketball championship Warren's senior year, despite receiving treatment much of the season. She took every opportunity to have fun with her kids, always embracing new trends (Snap and TikTok) and making memories along the way. She and Drew enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, and cheering on their favorite sports teams. They also loved adopting dogs and cherished their time with strays Parker, Scooter, and Walter. She was dedicated in her faith and poured herself into being the best wife and mom she could be for her family.

Susan's extended families were so important to her, and she was adored by all Clapps and Hamiltons. She loved creating and maintaining cherished traditions, including turkey cookies, Christmas cake walks, and New Year's Eve cousin parties. She was a selfless gift-giver, a wonderful hostess, and a master celebrator of all things family. Susan had a unique gift for making others feel special through listening, event attendance, and a presence in the lives of all family members.

Susan had a true passion for tennis. She loved playing on her Thursday morning TCD teams and spending time with her Lakewood Country Club teammates both on and off the court. She even paired with Drew in mixed league play. She was also a familiar face at the Dallas Athletic Club, where she managed the tennis shop with dedication.

Susan's energy was infectious, and she lived life to the fullest with an ever-present smile on her face. Always focusing on the good in people, you didn't hear Susan speak poorly of others. Her kitchen had a towel that read "My Kitchen is Made for Dancing," reflecting her joyful, carefree spirit. Whether it was dancing, laughing, playing tennis, or simply sharing a smile, Susan made everything more fun.

Even in her illness, Susan's attitude was nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ kept her strong and close to Him, even in the most difficult of days. She never allowed her sickness to define her and instead focused on Him. Her words from a 2020 email reflect her strength and faith: "We are supposed to be thankful for our thorns/trials, which is tough, but not when you know He is at work and showing us the way with exactly what we need."

Susan's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. We will forever have a hole in our hearts, but we are blessed with precious memories and her famous smile to carry with us as we share her courageous story.

Susan is survived by her husband, Drew; her children Lucy, Jane and Warren; her parents, Bob and Judy Clapp; her sisters Debbie Clapp Confer (David) and Robin Clapp Muschalek (John) and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas at 2:00pm, with a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to AUTLIVE in her memory to benefit cancer patients and treatment centers. Gifts can be made online at auburntigers.com/autlive and checks can be mailed to: AUTLIVE, 2415 Moores Mill Rd, Suite 265, Box 173, Auburn, AL 36830. (Please note "memorial for Susan Hamilton" with donation)

Susan's family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the doctors involved in her five years of care: Dr. Jeffrey Lamont, Dr. David McCollum, and Dr. Bruce Fine (Texas Oncology), Dr. Nathaniel Ng (Texas Colon and Rectal Specialists), and Dr. Thomas Smith, Dr. Michael Overman, and Dr. Paul Mansfield (MD Anderson). We are also grateful for the tremendous care provided by the nursing and administrative staff at the T. Boone Pickens Cancer Center, Medical City, and MD Anderson. The family is also grateful for the end of life care provided by VITAS Healthcare.

The family would also like to express its thanks to the congregations of Munger Place Church and Shoreline City Church for their unwavering support through Susan's illness.