Novella Hamlin

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Jeanne “Novella” Hamlin, 97, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Spring River Christian
Village in Joplin, Missouri.

Novella was born on August 7, 1927, in Rifle, Colorado. She married Ralph W. Hamlin on July 23, 1944, in Winfield, Kansas. They were married for 58 years. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2002.

Novella was a devoted military wife who lived in many places before eventually settling down in Joplin, Missouri. She was a homemaker and businesswoman. She helped manage her son Dr. Gary Hamlin’s medical office and worked in her son-in-law James’s paint store for many years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She loved all things creative…crafting , crocheting, sewing, and cooking. She also loved attending her
grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ events. Those who knew her describe her as loving, beautiful, witty,
intelligent, thoughtful, hard-working, sassy, and classy! She greeted people with a warm smile and open
arms, and she was a compassionate listener. This matriarch will be greatly missed, but her memory will
live on, as she left an amazing legacy in all of her loved ones.

Novella was a faithful Christian who raised her children in the Word of God and in Truth, and taught them to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. Her family attended First Christian Church in Webb City and Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin. She also enjoyed many years of in-depth Bible study at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).

She is survived by sons Dr. Gary W. (Sharon) Hamlin of Webb City, Missouri and Ronald K. (Marla)
Hamlin of St. Louis, Missouri; daughter Debra J. (James) Miller of Joplin, Missouri; 10 grandchildren:
Brian Hamlin, Jenny Conard, Jill Bishop, Dr. Justin Hamlin, Jason Hamlin, Beau Hamlin, Chey Gilbert,
Sarah Eidson, Warren Miller and Arielle Miller; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren
(including one arriving soon); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Jeanne Renee Hamlin; her parents, Lloyd and Gladys Cox
Stokes; and siblings Retha McLaughlin, Bud Stokes, Winifred Beasley, and Don Stokes.

Services will be at 1:30pm on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with Beau
Hamlin officiating.

Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.

Memorial contributions can be made to God’s Resort in Joplin, a ministry that Novella loved and supported.