Leslie R. Hamlett

LESLIE ROWENA HAMLETT was bom the 8th of 9 children to Sadie Oliver Hamlett and the late Maryland Hamlett, Sr. on May 14, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland. She peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on July 19, , 2014 at Gilchrist Hospice Center in Towson, with her mother, brothers and sisters by her bedside. Leslie received her elementary education, first, through an at home school program, then, the William S. Baer School in Baltimore. She graduated from the Baer School, receiving a high school diploma, and enrolled in the Community College of Baltimore where she received her Associate of Arts degree. Leslie then enrolled at the University of Baltimore where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Leslie was a beacon of light. Hers was a life of faith, and it was her faith in God that enabled her to push beyond her physical constraints and accomplish amazing things. In addition to her academic life, Leslie nurtured her spiritual life, as a member of Little Ark Missionary Baptist Church. Stricken with infantile paralysis, doctors didn't expect Leslie to live for very long. But, God had another plan for her life! Leslie had a strong faith that allowed her to step out and live on her own with, as her nephew described, zest and zeal. Leslie's career, as an Independent Living Specialist, was in service to others. She was a voice for the voiceless; an advocate for the physically disabled. She empowered those whom she contacted by advising them of their rights and the services to which they were entitled. Leslie was employed at MCIL (Making Choices for Independent Living) as a Peer Counselor. Later, as an Independent Living Specialist, her duties were to assist individuals with disabilities who were seeking to live independently. Those duties consisted of A~, advising clients of their eligibility for SSI/SSDI benefits, transportation needs, medical needs, Dept. of Rehabilitation Services, housing (private or public), continuing education and employment. She worked numerous hours with the Dept. of Social Services, Housing Authority for Baltimore City/Baltimore County, Howard, Harford, Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties, Mass Transit Administration Mobility, Light Rail, Subway and Taxi AccessNoucher Programs. Her position allowed her to sit on many public committees, such as the Mayor's Committee for Individuals with Disabilities, the League for the Handicapped, Transportation Committees, Housing Committees, etc. Leslie was a Public Speaker at many of MCIL's Annual events, Programs and Services. Leslie retired from her job in 2000 and lived together with her sister Lance; where they were joined by their mom and dad. She was active in retirement and enjoyed going to plays, concerts, and crab feasts usually grabbing her nephew Jason or her buddy Cheryl. She also loved taking trips to Atlantic City with her mom and dad, her sister Lance and brother Wendall. Leslie leaves to mourn, her devoted mother Sadie; six siblings, Anthony (Brenda), Vondalea (Gregory), Wendall (Natalie), Ward (Connie), Vanessa (John), and Lansinq-two uncles, Olander Hamlett (Edith), Dr. Joseph Oliver Jr. (Bonnie) two aunts, Mildred Parker and Jenny Oliver; 15 nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Maryland Hamlett, Sr. and two brothers, Gregory and Maryland, Jr.

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Leslie R. Hamlett

May 14, 1959 - July 19, 2014