In Loving Memory of Philamina (Mina) Leetricia McClarron (nee Hamilton)

Philamina (Mina) Leetricia McClarron (nee Hamilton) was born to the late Nettie and James Hamilton on April 3, 1925, in Louisville, KY. She gained her wings on December 15, 2022 in her home in Tacoma, WA. After her mother’s death, her father married the late Canary Birdie Hannah Hamilton. Her step-mother was a devoted Catholic and raised her and her sister, the late Addie Marie Cooper, in that faith. Her elementary schooling was at St. Augustine Catholic School in Louisville, KY. She finished high school at St. Ann’s Academy for girls in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1938, she gave birth to her first son, James (Sonny) Hamilton. After graduation, she started working at the Louisville Laundry & Dry Cleaners. This is where her interest in textiles and fashion began. Her first marriage was to James Stoudmire, in Louisville, KY. To that union her next two sons were born, Sherman Stoudmire and Ruben Stoudmire, both precede her in death. She married Willie C. McClarron, Sr., a decorated U.S. Army Military Policeman who had served on the Pacific Front, in the Philippines during WWII. He had been transferred to Fort Knox, KY., where the met and married in 1947. While stationed at Fort Knox, they had all four of their children. In 1949, she gave birth to their son, Willie Jr. and their only daughter Linda was born in 1950, followed by Michael in 1952 and Karl in 1953, who both precede her in death. During this time, her husband was deployed on multiple tours in the Korean War. In the early 60s, her husband was transferred to Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. She showed her fortitude as a military wife when she, all by herself, packed up the kids in their station wagon and drove from Louisville, KY, all the way to Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX to meet up with him. who had been transferred there. This began their extensive travel in the U.S. and abroad, as a military family. She became well-known on the base as a Team Mom, supporting all of her sons in their various sports. One iconic memory was when she ran down the sidelines, for the entire length of the football field, as her son Willie was running a touchdown. In the mid-60s, the family was stationed abroad in France at Base Trois Fontaine. She became the leader of the NCO Wives Club and furthered her immersion into fashion design, while running a household full of kids. In 1966, the family returned to the U.S. as they were stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. Once settled in Tacoma, she attended Clover Park Technical Institute where she received certification as a designer seamstress. It was at this time that she began her career in fashion as a Floor Lead at the Fashions Northwest factory in Sumner, WA. She furthered her education in fashion design at Bates Vocational College where she received her certification as a master custom tailor. She became well known in the community as a designer for men’s and women’s custom suits, choir robes, sportswear and kids wear. She used her skills and experience, in combination with her entrepreneurial spirit, to open her own laundry mat and dry cleaners. This was an extensive feat as a Black woman in the 60s. She grew her business and continued to manage it until her husband was severely injured during his tour in the Vietnam War. At the urging of her sister, Addie Marie Cooper, who precedes her in death, she connected with Shiloh Baptist Church in 1968. She was instantly mesmerized by the fervor in worship, compared to the Catholic faith. Her mother Nettie had received her Master Degree in Music and was a renowned pianist. In addition, many in her mother’s family members were also accomplished musicians. They planted the seed that grew into her passion for music, one of her great loves in life. When she later joined Shiloh, the music ministry was her first calling. During her 52 years as a member of Shiloh she served the Lord in many capacities, including Director of the Gospel Chorus, Minister of Music, Vice President and then President of the Shiloh Missionary Society and Vice President of the C.W.U. However, it was in her 25 years of service as the Chairperson of the Shiloh Baptist Church Deaconess Board, that she held closest to her heart. She was fully devoted to the Deaconess Board until she had to step down due to her declining health. She had unshakable faith in her Almighty God. She showed it by example as she spent 19 devoted years caring for her husband, after he suffered a massive stroke in 1989. He preceded her in death, in 2006. She was also preceded in death by her grandson whom she raised, Kemonia McClarron. On December 15, 2022 she gained her wings, as she slipped into the grace of God’s arms, in her home in Tacoma, WA. She was a spirited strong matriarch. She never met a stranger and touched everyone she met in her own special way. She led by example in teaching the true meaning of family, faith and compassion throughout this journey called life. She is survived by her son, James (Sonny) Hamilton of Louisville, KY; her son Willie McClarron, Jr. (Lisa) of Seattle, WA; her daughter Linda Hundley (Thomas); her 3 grandchildren whom she raised, Danielle Johnson, Dawncelie Johnson-White (Dion) and Devielle Johnson (Ali), all of Tacoma, WA. She is also survived by her nephew, Rev. Clarence Bivens and her niece, Canary Collins both of Louisville, KY; her nephew Warren Darnell (Kathy) of Phoenix, AZ; her nephew Steven Cooper (Kim) of Tacoma, WA. In addition, she leaves to mourn her, 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and a whole host of great great grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews and friends.

Sunrise April 3, 1925

Sunset December 15, 2022

Viewing 3pm - 7pm

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Homegoing Celebration

11am Friday, December 30, 2022

Both will be at Shiloh Baptist Church located at 1211 I St., Tacoma, WA 98405