Theresa (Tee) Hamilton, a beloved member of the promotional products industry, passed away on Dec. 4 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 54.

A designer, illustrator and creative consultant, Hamilton worked for various companies and regional organizations in the industry for well over a decade. She was a cofounder of PromoKitchen and played an integral role in developing the brand. She also served as creative director of Altitude Group, a publicly traded company with operations in the United States and the United Kingdom. Most recently, she ran Orlando, FL-based Creative Alchemy, which offered graphic design, product design, illustration, photography and other creative services.

Industry professionals have taken to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to their colleague.

That Tee Hamilton...she really painted this industry.

— I am the Brand. ✌🏼 (@MeganErber) December 5, 2020

“She never settled for mediocrity,” wrote Jeff Anderton, senior content strategist at Top 40 supplier SnugZ/USA (asi/88060) and owner of VideoFarm.tv, where Hamilton worked as creative director for three years. “My kids called her Aunt Tee. I loved working with her more than anything – it was like running a creative marathon each and every time. One of the most talented artists I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.”

Jake Krolick, executive creative director of marketing at ASI, met Hamilton when she was working with Anderton at Video Farm. “She was over the moon about how she could inspire others to do great creative work in the promo industry,” Krolick said. “Tee would challenge herself daily to sketch or draw out concepts to be a better designer. Tee was always a smiling face that made me happy – we crossed paths at many of our ASI tradeshows. Her creative genius always pushed for something truly unique and inspiring. For all of those that she was close with, shared a laugh or cry, Tee made so many people happy with her genuine warm and friendly nature. It’s an incredibly sad loss in the promo community.”

Industry members are invited to share how Hamilton impacted their lives and careers for a special podcast that PromoKitchen is putting together. According to Danny Rosin, co-president of Morrisville, NC-based Brand Fuel (asi/145025) and co-founder of PromoCares and PromoKitchen, the organization is also working on a Tee Hamilton Creative Education Scholarship.

She is survived by her grandmother Marie Gibson; her father and stepmother, Denny and Patty Lutz; her mother, Kathy Lee; her sister Denise Brantley; and her niece Bella Sniadecki. She also leaves behind her beloved dog and companion Gracie.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be sent in her name to Alaqua Animal Refuge. 

The family will hold a private memorial service at Calvary Cemetery in Clearwater, FL, in early January as she is laid to rest. There will be a larger celebration of life for extended family and friends in Destin, FL, in the spring with details forthcoming.