The Hamilton, Lindsey, and Gray families celebrate the life of Shawn, AKA “Big Shawn” who passed away unexpectantly on August 4, 2022, at the age of 49 in his Joliet home.
On February 21, 1973, Shawn was born into two families that loved him dearly. He was the youngest of eight in his maternal family. He was one of 13 in his paternal family.
Shawn accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Joliet, IL. Shawn was raised and had deep roots in Joliet, IL. He grew up on the Hill, attended Joliet public schools and had a career in Cabinet Carpentry as a sprayer. He worked for Eurotech Custom Cabinets, Joliet Cabinets, and Breaker Cabinets.
Shawn brought the party wherever he went and was everyone’s “favorite.” Our big teddy bear brought laughter, humor, and left an impression on everyone that he met; he will be deeply missed by friends, family and all who knew him so “Don’t forget to pour one for ya homie!”
A glance at his Facebook page lets you know that Shawn was always selfie ready with his trimmed and waved hair, perfectly groomed beard, outfits for all occasions, hats of many options, and sunshades to round out the look while asking “what it do bookies.”
He loved music and every time a song came on, he would call his big brother Greg and ask, “you heard this Dirty??” He would also call his older brothers at any time of the night, and they were opened to having a conversation no matter the time. He was so easy to get along with and would always say “You don’t have love for Big Shawn?? Everyone has love for Big Shawn!!”
Shawn was heartbroken by the loss of his mom and cherished dog Buddy. We know that he is reunited and welcomed by family that preceded him in death which includes his mother, Dossie Gray (Lindsey), his father, John Hamilton, maternal grandparents, Sylvester and Wilma Lindsey, paternal grandparents, Ella and Artist Hamilton, maternal brother, Tyrone Lindsey, paternal brother, Bernard Hamilton. Also, preceded by nephew Jeremiah, close cousins, aunts, and uncles; now, they are together.
Shawn loved his family, in 2004, Shawn married Pamela Green/Hamilton and together they raised sons, Donald, Shadon, Emoni who lovingly called him “pops” and daughter, Dominique who called him “daddy-o”. He was adored and will be missed by 11 grandchildren Amyia, Amari, Aiden, Nylah, Skylar, Makiel, Jeremiah, Gabriel, Jayden, Alaya, Amere.
His memory will live on with his maternal siblings, Thomas Smith Jr. (Deneen) of GA, Greg Robinson (Ann) of VA, Bryant Lindsey (Sheila), Eddie Gray (Sheila), Michael Gray all of Joliet, IL, and Sharon Gray of Madison, WI. Maternal aunts, Argel Moore, Jessie Nell Jones and Bobbie Arrington (Troy).
His memory will also live on with his paternal siblings, Kenneth Travis (Angela), Patrica Millsap (Winston), Antwan Hamilton (Kimberly), all of Joliet, IL; John Hamilton Jr. (Kathleen), Deloris Witcher (James), Vera Hamilton and Calvin Hamilton, all of Hampton, SC; Johnetta Hastings (Decosta), Tiffany Morgan (Kevin) of Nashville, TN; VeElla Hamilton of Houston, TX, and David Hamilton Washington of Seattle, WA.
This void will be deeply felt by his cherished and beloved cousins, Monique Lindsey, Houston Thomas (Pookie), Eric Lindsey, special nephews, Dominique Green, Nikko Green, and Bryant Simmons. Plus, lifelong friends Lamar Collins (LeLee), Cornelius Rouser (Tootie), Bobby Rogers, Eric Woolridge, Kevin Reed, Omar Harrell (Odie), Victor Milsap, Steve Page, Michael Stevens, Cleveland Grimes, Richard Wood (Pig), Edwin Cooper (Ed), and countless relatives, and friends.
Cash app donations can be sent to: $sweetp0475 (Pamela Green); $icemike1969 (Michael Gray)
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