Claudine "Clyde" Lake Hamilton

Claudine (Clyde) Lake Hamilton, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 16, 2025. She was 80 years old. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Claudine was the daughter of the late Donald Edward Lake and Katherine Chapman Lake. She spent most of her childhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, before raising her own family in Georgetown, South Carolina-a place she held dear for its natural beauty and close-knit community. In her later years, she made her home in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, where she continued to live surrounded by the people and landscapes she loved.

Claudine was a graduate of the University of South Carolina and a gifted watercolorist, whose artwork reflected her deep love of nature. Whether painting coastal marshes, native flora, or the changing skies over Pawley’s Island, she captured the world around her with sensitivity and grace. Her appreciation for the outdoors extended beyond her art; she cherished time spent in nature and found joy in the simple beauty of her surroundings.

Her greatest happiness came from being with her family and friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Melissa Hamilton Szymanski (Steve) of Columbia, SC, and Susan Hamilton Smith (Noell) of Charleston, SC; and by her four cherished granddaughters: Elizabeth (Betsy) Hamilton Smith, Sarah Legare' Smith, Mary Mercer (Mimi) Szymanski, and Katherine (Kate) Legare' Szymanski.

Clyde's legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and a deep reverence for the natural world. Her joy, sense of humor, and fun spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc,. Mt. Pleasant Chapel at 11:00 am. A Reception will follow the service at the Mt. Pleasant Chapel.

Bright colors are encouraged to be worn to reflect Clyde's bright spirit.

Messages of remembrance and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.jhenrystuhr.com.