Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 KJV
“MUSIC MAKES LIFE A SYMPHONY WHEN GOD IS THE CONDUCTOR”
— Prelude—
Cecilia Earle Bacon was introduced to life through the union of Roger and Earline Bacon on February 4, 1937 in Norfolk, Virginia. One of three children, Cece, as everyone affectionately called her, was the sister of Douglas Roger Bacon and Mary Frances Bacon, the maternal grandchild of James and Lovey Lumsden, and the paternal grandchild of Roger and Jenny Bacon.
Movement I
Cece possessed an innate love and appreciation for music that was discerned early in her childhood by her mother and grandmother, both accomplished musicians, who nurtured her delightful gift. Her grandmoth- er, Mrs. Lovey Lumsden, was her first music instructor and CeCe spent countless hours in her home, practicing and perfecting her skills.
Movement II
Cece received her education in the Norfolk Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washing- ton High School in the class of 1955. While at Booker T., she was the primary Student Accompanist for
the renowned BTW Choir under the direction of Mr. I. Sherman Greene, who became one of her strongest mentors and ensured her enrollment at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Hermione W. Jack- son was also instrumental in her development at Booker T. At Howard, Dean Warner Lawson became an- other mentor. Cece’s outstanding keyboard skills solidified her position as accompanist and the choir’s ex- tended tour to South America was one of the highlights of her college experience. Cece pledged Delta
Sigma Theta, enjoyed other facets of college life and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Howard University in 1960.
Movement III
Cecilia ‘s Christian Journey began at Metropolitan A.M.E.Zion Church in Norfolk, Virginia where she was baptized and enjoyed an active church life. Under the mentorship of Mrs. Daisy S. Holmes, Cece played for the Children’s and Adult Choirs, Sunday School, and other programs as appropriate.
Movement IV
Cece’s teaching career began and ended in Surry County Public Schools where she taught for more than thirty years. Initially, she taught Band, in addition to being the choir director. Her knowledge, skills and
abilities resulted in the development of outstanding Concert, Gospel, and Show Choirs that won numerous accolades in Choral Music Festivals and First Place at a Mid-Atlantic Show Choir Festival.
Cece loved and appreciated all genres of music and sought to share that love with her choirs and ensem- bles. Cece was not just a pianist/organist. She was blessed with the ability to transpose instantly, com- pose music, choreograph, teach, and conduct. With these God-given gifts and talents, she faithfully served as Director of Music at Norfolk United Methodist Church for fifty-five years, having begun in 1965, after the founding of the church by Rev. Godfrey Tate in 1960.
Movement V
Cecilia’s Music affiliations are many and legendary:
- “Cantabile” – Founder/Director/Accompanist
- “MOGIS” ((Men of God in Song) – Founder/Director/Accompanist
- “The Booker T. Washington Alumni Choir” – Accompanist
- “The I. Sherman Greene Chorale” – Singer/Accompanist
- “Chesapeake Civic Chorus” – Accompanist
- “The Voices of Norfolk’ – Accompanist
- “The Norfolk City Chorus” – Accompanist
- “Hampton University Choir Directors’/Organists’ Guild
- “Hampton Roads Choir Directors’/Organists’ Guild”
Movement VI
Cece was full of kindness, love, courage and compassion, faith and inspiration. Her daily walk reflected her love for God and her fellowman. She was a gentle soul who looked for the good in everyone. She was also humorous, joyful and had an infectious laugh. She liked to work crossword puzzles, but also enjoyed playing cards with friends, working the slot machines and her membership in the Modernaires Club. These activities provided a good balance that, combined with her unwavering faith in God, enabled her to endure her many illnesses and losses, including that of her first husband, Robert Mickens.
—Finale—
“With unrelenting crescendo, the symphony of a life replete with melodic progression, hastens to its finale. And a friendship that is ours to share, with its “largos” and “allegros” moves everlasting; onward, in sweet memories.”
Cecilia Earle Bacon Mickens Hamlin peacefully transitioned from her earthly tabernacle to her Heavenly Home on the morning of Thursday, July 21, 2022. With her loving “Behby” at her side, she bade farewell and, we believe, was immediately given a seat at the PIANO.
In addition to her parents, Cece is predeceased by her brother, Douglas Bacon, Sr., her aunt, Sarah Rebecca Griffin, and her niece, Ebony Bacon.
She leaves a legacy of love and hope to her beloved and supportive husband, Mayes Leroy Hamlin; five daughters, Elviea Hamlin, Winifred Jones, LaTonia Hamlin, Renee Charity and Hermoine Hamlin; sister, Mary Frances Bacon; nieces, Freida Bacon Clark (Leonard, Jr.), Patricia Bacon Burnett (Douglas) and Cynthia Bacon Foster (David, Sr.); nephews, Douglas Roger Bacon, Jr., Carlton Bacon (Joycelyn) and Eric Bacon; cousins, M. Alease Wynn and Cassandra Southall (David); nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; special friends, Ann B. McInnis and Lois M. Simons; and a myriad of other cousins, rela- tives, and friends.
SORROW IS NOT FOREVER…LOVE IS
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Carroll Briggs Holland says
July 26, 2022 at 2:42 pmMy condolence to the family of the greatest music teacher I have ever known. There was never a song that she could not master playing on the piano. She will be remembered by so many students that she taught as well as mentored. RIP Miss Bacon (as I knew her). You were certainly a God sent to Surry County and L.P. Jackson High School.
Sheila Harrison McFadden says
July 26, 2022 at 4:19 pmI was saddened to hear of Mrs. Mickens-Hamlin’s passing. She was one of the greatest teachers I’ve known and always instilled confidence in me and her students. Her quiet presence, strength and grace inspired me to join her beloved Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Rest in peace in the presence of our Lord Mrs. Mickens. You will be missed!
C Hinton-Southall says
July 26, 2022 at 9:08 pmLeroy, Mary Francis and family,
CeCe will be missed but always be in our memories. Her gentle ways showed us just how exceptional a person she was. Rest now with those who have preceded you. I can see your maternal grandmother, Lovey Lumsden, smiling {especially) saying ” a job well done!”
Cassandra and family
Brenda Blount Hill, SCHS ‘76 says
July 26, 2022 at 11:36 pmFarewell to a great music teacher who had more patience with me than I had with myself while teaching me piano lessons. She also had faith in me, to give me courage to sing a very high pitched solo, “The Angel Gabriel”, at a Christmas concert hitting notes in my vocals that I never realized I had. I have fond memories of her in 6th period music class toiling for many days at the piano writing our school song, “Surry County High School” and that’s why I remember the song so well.
Brenda Blount Hill, Surry County High School Class ‘76
Cheryl Moore says
August 5, 2022 at 10:41 amPrayers and Condolences to family and friends. May God’s Overflowing Love, Peace, Comfort, and Strength be with each of you throughout your time of Sorrow. She was a Beautiful Woman of Faith and Loved everyone whose life she touched in one way or another. RIH,
Brenda Blount Hill, SCHS ‘76 says
July 26, 2022 at 11:37 pmFarewell to a great music teacher who had more patience with me than I had with myself while teaching me piano lessons. She also had faith in me, to give me courage to sing a very high pitched solo, “The Angel Gabriel”, at a Christmas concert hitting notes in my vocals that I never realized I had. I have fond memories of her in 6th period music class toiling for many days at the piano writing our school song, “Surry County High School” and that’s why I remember the song so well.
Lillian Snyder says
July 27, 2022 at 5:03 pmFarewell to a very sweet, kind person. She was my neighbor for 28 years. She played piano at my daughter’s wedding. Very good in all she did. RIH
Judith Taylor Boatwright says
July 30, 2022 at 10:10 pmMy deepest condolences and prayers to the family and friends during this sorrowful time. I was privileged and honored to have met Cece.Know that God has each of you in the hollow of His hand!! Amen.
June Wilder says
July 31, 2022 at 7:17 pmYou will truly be missed.You showed me so much love and understanding.
Vernell Gray says
August 1, 2022 at 8:34 pmTo the Hamlin Family.
It was nice to sing in the BTW Choir. You was always around to play for the class of 58th concerts. You will be missed. Now your recitals will be in heaven. Keep the faith & stay strong.
From Esther Gray & Daughter
yOlanda Matthews says
August 2, 2022 at 10:39 amI have had the awesome pleasure of being trained to sing songs right at this piano, as well as in churches, and even in our living room at the piano with my mother Theodocia Fentress. Ms. Cee Cee will truly be missed! Her love for music, her love for her family and friends and her love for God is something we all will miss experiencing with her. God has called home an angel to sing with the heavenly choir! Say hello to my mother for me!
To the family, I send my deepest, most sincere condolences, prayers and comfort to you all. Allow God to speak to your heart to walk in peace knowing that Ms. Cee Cee is resting now, no more pain, no more confusion. Mr. Leroy, thank you for loving her til the end! :-)
Leslie Walston says
August 2, 2022 at 11:19 amMay you rest in heavenly peace
Cousin Cee Cee, I will always remember your loving smile and your heart of gold. My condolences to Leroy, Francis,
Leslie, Belinda and Precious
Deborah Taylor Mapp says
August 2, 2022 at 6:14 pmTo Mr. Leroy & Family: I had the pleasure of knowing CeCe for most of my life. She was such an inspiration and I loved to watch her play as well as listen to her play. She had movement in her hands that were Divinely inspired by God. She always had a smile and could light up a room when she entered. She always gave me a warm hug every time we met. May she rest with Jesus and may God comfort each of you as only He can. Blessings and Love.
Lula Thornton says
August 4, 2022 at 10:33 amExtending my sincere condolences to the family of Cecelia Hamlin. It was my pleasure to know and to sing with the Booker T. Washington High School Alumni Choir under the magnificent direction of Ann McInnis and the superb piano accomplishment of Cecelia Hamlin. It truly was a joy to know her and to be blessed by her exquisite musical talent. May The Holy Spirit comfort her beloved husband, Leroy Hamlin and the entire family.
Cheryl Moore says
August 5, 2022 at 10:42 amPrayers and Condolences to family and friends. May God’s Overflowing Love, Peace, Comfort, and Strength be with each of you throughout your time of Sorrow. She was a Beautiful Woman of Faith and Loved everyone whose life she touched in one way or another. RIH,
Rhonda Bradby says
August 14, 2022 at 3:07 pmI was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Cecelia Mickens-Hamlin. I have very fond memories of her as a co-worker at Surry County High School. She was an awesome music teacher/choir director and one whom I always admired. She had a beautiful personality and was just a sweet person overall. My heart goes out to her family, and you have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy. I pray that God will continue to bless, comfort, and strengthen all of you during this most difficult time like only He can. Keeping you lifted in prayer!
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