Patricia Lee Hamlin

Patricia Lee Hamlin, 59, of Nokomis, IL, passed away on February 13th, 2022 in her home after a long battle with ALS.

Pattie was born on February 14,1962 to Russell and Geraldine Rhoades in Hillsboro, IL. She was their second born with an older brother, Wayne Rhoades of Nokomis, and younger sister, Karen Cornell (Don) of Belleville, IL. In 1985, Pattie met Lester D. Hamlin at the Corner Cave in Nokomis, IL and the rest was history. They married on July 12, 1986 and went on to have 4 children; Sabrina Jones (Ralph) of Nokomis, Samantha Bryant (Zachary) of Havana, Sierra Dodd (Eric) of Taylorville and Lukas Hamlin (Elizabeth) of Nokomis.

Pattie graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1980 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville in Special Education.  Shortly after, she began her teaching career working with special needs students in Pana and eventually Nokomis.  If you knew Pattie, you know she was unstoppable.  She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Educational Administration while raising four young children and flourishing in her teaching position.  Pattie’s hard work earned her the prominent position of Assistant Director of Midstate Special Education.  She retired in June 2017, after 31 years of teaching and advocating for students and their families. She was a very active member of her community serving as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She also led the United Methodist Youth Group and organized numerous mission trips. Most recently, she was honored to receive the Hero’s Award and the Regional Leadership Award.  Pattie was recognized for her contribution of thousands of signatures advocating for a policy change for services to help people with ALS.  Additionally, she led her community in fundraising for ALS, resulting in over $100,000 raised toward the cause. 

Pattie’s drive and positivity were contagious to everyone lucky enough to be in her company.  She motivated her own children, as well as hundreds others, to value their education and work hard toward their goals.  She was an amazing role model to her 7 grandchildren, which were her pride and joy.  She enjoyed hosting sleepovers, spoiling them with candy and snacks, and seeing their daily Snapchats.  She blessed her friends and family with her smart sense of humor and her uncanny ability to know the right way to do everything. She was incredibly strong and never gave up. 

Pattie’s wishes were to have a celebration of life in their nearby family woods where a tree will be planted in her memory.  This will take place at a later date when the weather is nice.  In lieu of flowers, all memorials can be made to the Pattie Hamlin Scholarship Fund at the First National Bank of Nokomis.

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