of Harrison, AR

December 31, 1927 - November 1, 2023

Silvia I. Hampton, 95, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 1, 2023, at Maple Esplanade in Harrison, Arkansas. Born Silvia Irmgard Schubert on December 31, 1927, in Aussig, Czechoslovakia, she lived in Teplitz, Czechoslovakia until 1946. Silvia was the oldest child of Franz and Anna Schubert. Her father lost a leg in WW1, and her mother was killed during a 1940 air raid bombing of Cologne, Germany during WW2. Her only sibling was a brother, Wolfgang Schubert, of Karlsruhe, Germany that preceded her in death. Silvia was also preceded in death by her parents, husband, James O. Hampton, two daughters; Jeanette Kaye Gray and Silvia Ann Hampton, two sons; Jack Dale Hampton and Jesse Dean Hampton

Silvia is survived by four sons, James Hampton of Phenix City, Alabama, John Hampton of Omaha, Arkansas, Jerry Hampton of Omaha, Arkansas, and Jeff Hampton of Englewood, Colorado, and three daughters, Judy Taylor of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Joyce LeDoux of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Donna Crawford of Fort Smith, Arkansas; 16 Grandchildren, 15 Great-Grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Because of her German heritage, at the age of 18, she was expelled from Czechoslovakia after WW2 and forced to walk to Germany where she lived with her Aunt Hetti for many years. That journey took two weeks, pushing a bicycle loaded with the only personal possessions she could carry. On April 9, 1953, she married James O. Hampton in Mannheim, Germany, and in October 1953 arrived in the United States to begin her new life. She became a US Citizen in 1954 and relocated to Sagamihara, Japan to join her husband where he was stationed there with the US Army. As the spouse of a career military non-commissioned officer, she moved frequently, as military families often do. There were subsequent military assignments that took the family to Michigan, South Dakota, and Arkansas. Silvia lived for a short time at Camp Humphreys (Anjung-Ri) South Korea in 1988, Colorado Springs, Colorado from 1989 2000, and later moved to Nixa, Missouri from 2001- 2015. She was a resident of Harrison, Arkansas from 1964-1970 and again from 2018-2023.

The greatest joy in Silvia's life was her family. She loved family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Her German food during the holidays was always a treat, to include Sauerbraten, strawberry goulash and homemade yeast rolls. She was an incredible cook. Her favorite hobby was crocheting where she excelled and was very creative. Last but not least, she immensely enjoyed her trips to the casinos. She fancied herself a ''professional'' slot machine player and wouldn't tolerate anyone looking over her shoulder when operating any slot machine. It was bad luck, and she would promptly deal with anyone that violated this rule. Silvia was one of a kind and will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation is one hour prior to the service at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Silvia will be 2:00PM, Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home with Bro. Kerry Liggett officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.

The burial will be in the Gass Cemetery.

Pallbearers are James Hampton, John Hampton, Jerry Hampton, Jeff Hampton, Max Owensby, and Daniel Johnston.

A very special thank you to Maple Esplanade Assisted Living for the outstanding care provided by their medical personnel and staff. We couldn't have done it without this professional and dedicated team.

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