Cara Marissa Hamilton, 31, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend, took flight to be home with the Lord and her two grandfathers, Rev. John Hamilton Sr. and Nathan L. Williams, on Friday, August 7, 2009 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Cara is the daughter of John and MaryAnn Hamilton of Lynn. Her memories will forever be cherished by brothers John R. Hamilton III (Trey) and Sean Hamilton, sister Kirstie Anderson, grandmothers Mary Naomi Hamilton and Callie Wilson Williams, aunts and uncles, Jim and Anne Terry, Mac and Susan McCarl, Kathy and (the late) Larry Warren, Michael Williams, and Katey Williams.

She was also blessed with many wonderful cousins and many friends in Polk County and Raleigh, N.C.

Cara was born in Boone, N.C., but lived the rest of her 29 years in Polk County and Raleigh, N.C. She loved animals (especially her cats Barly, Maisy, and PeggySue), nature, the mountains of western NC, and the woods and lakes of the triad area. &bsp;

She attended Mill Spring Elementary School (K-6), Polk Central Junior High (7-8), she was in the first class in the new Polk County High School (9-10). She received the honor to attend the School of Science and Math, Durham, N.C. (11-12).

She continued her education at North Carolina State University and graduated with honors with a degree in geology and environmental science. She continued on with her honors graduate work at N.C. State University. &bsp;

A private service for family and friends to celebrate her life will be held in the near future.

The family wished to thank the doctors and staff of the Cancer Centers of N.C., Cary, N.C., Dr. Jon Bruce and his staff, Dr. Kevin Khaudary and staff, Dr. Jeevan Pai, the staff of Wellness One and the many friends and neighbors for all their help and love.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, St 10, Raleigh, N.C. 27615, the Wake County and Orange County Humane Society, the Safe Haven for Cats, Raleigh, N.C.,, or the North Carolina Zoological Center.

*Please recycle*

Arrangements made by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas.&bsp; On-line condolences may be left at www.cremnc.com.