FLORENCE VENETTA BUTLER HAMITON, 104, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on Friday, September 4, 2026.

Florence Venetta was born January 15, 1922, in Kansas City, Missouri to Odie and Mary Butler. She graduated from the historic Lincoln High School with the Class of 1938, one of the first classes to graduate from the newly renovated school. Florence later went on to achieve a bachelor’s degree in history from Central Missouri State University, and two master’s degrees in history and education from Emporia Kansas State College.

Florence married the love of her life, Raymond Hamilton, in 1944 and together they had three children, Sherrell, Joel, and baby Joen (who passed shortly after birth). Florence thrived in many careers throughout her life. In her early decades when Kansas City was still segregated, she worked at the all-Black General Hospital #2 as an admissions supervisor. She also worked as a supervisor for the Kansas City Water Department, and a supervisor for probation and parole in Kansas City and later in New Mexico. In the 1990s, following the passing of her husband and mother, Florence moved to New Mexico to begin a new chapter and enjoy the warmer weather. She worked as a middle school and high school history teacher in Hobbs and Roswell, before retiring and ultimately settling in Las Cruces.

Florence was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, joining a Presbyterian congregation in each city in which she resided. Throughout her life she taught Sunday school and served as an officer at nearly every level within the church – including as Moderator of the Presbytery.

Florence loved being active in her community and was a proud member of Storytellers of Las Cruces, Mesilla Valley Jazz & Blues Society, Mesilla Valley Timebank, Kansas City Book Lover’s Club, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Church Women United, the NAACP, and several bridge clubs. Her dedication to these and many other organizations is evidenced through the numerous awards and recognitions of character, service, and leadership that she received throughout her ten and a half decades of life.

Florence spent her life learning and growing, constantly seeking to experience joy and wonder.

She will be remembered for her devotion to community, her passion for voting and advancing civil rights, her unwavering support of the arts, her raucous laughter and zest for life, and her heart that was always overflowing with curiosity and love.

Florence is preceded in death by her parents Odie and Mary Butler, sister Verneice Watson, husband Raymond Hamilton, infant daughter Joen Hamilton, and daughter-in-law Diana Hamilton. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter Sherrell Tyree of Kansas City, MO; son Joel Hamilton of Alamogordo, NM; grandson Michael Hunt, wife Emma, and great-grandchildren Riley, Miles, and Malcolm of Kansas City, MO; grand-niece Janelle Hernandez and husband Jamie Fee of Las Cruces, NM. She is also survived by countless extended family members and treasured groups of friends.

Florence’s Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, October 10, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces, NM, with a reception to follow.

Attendees are invited to wear Florence’s favorite color, red, in her honor.

Memorials may be made in Florence’s name through Storytellers of New Mexico, the NAACP, and First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com