Evelyn Hamilton Obituary

We respectfully announce the passing of Ms. Evelyn Louise Hamilton, age 77 of Rome, Georgia on Monday, September 2, 2024 at an Atlanta medical center following an extended illness. Services celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Frost Chapel on the campus at her beloved Berry College.
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega service will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 in the chapel at Wright Memorial Mortuary at 2:00 p.m.
The family will receive friends in the chapel at Wright Memorial Mortuary, Inc. Tuesday evening September 10, 2024 from 6:00 p.m -7:00 p.m.
Evelyn L. Hamilton was born December 2, 1946 in Rome, Georgia to Erby Joe Hamilton and Malinda Posey Hamilton. Evelyn was the fourth of six siblings. She departed from this life on September 2nd, 2024.
Evelyn became a member of East Rome Church of Christ at an early age. She participated in outreach activities, ladies' day programs and several other church activities.
Evelyn graduated from Main High School in 1964. After graduating, she became one of the first African American students to integrate the prestigious Berry College. She graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. She worked as a caseworker for the Department of Family and Children Services and retired after 34 years of service. She later worked for the Floyd County Elections Office on a seasonal basis.
Also, she received recognition from Berry College. Each February an exhibit called "Erasing the Cold Line" is displayed at Berry Museum in which Evelyn, the trailblazer, is recognized. In April 2009, the Berry African American Alumni Association (Est 2002) started an endowment for the Hamilton-Smith Scholarship, which is named in honor of Evelyn L. Hamilton and Beverly P. Smith.
Evelyn has been a 49-year member of the Rome Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance through programs in local communities throughout the world). She served in many areas of Delta, such as chapter president and scholarship chair. She was instrumental in bringing the world-renowned Ebony Fashion Fair to Rome in 1988 through 2009. She worked diligently to make this and all Delta fundraisers a success.
Evelyn was on the planning and development committee in 2004 to secure a grant for the renovation of Rome Colored/Main High School, which is now known as the Kelsey-Aycock Burrell Center and now holds many community service organizations.
In her free time, she found time to volunteer at Harbin Clinic. For three years, she donated her 16–20-hour stipend to the sorority's scholarship fund and to her church's building fund.
Evelyn donated her time to several organizations including but not limited to AARP Etowah Chapter, Blossom Hill Homemakers Club, Berry African American Alumni Association, NAACP, Hospitality House Shelter for Battered Women, and Habitat for Humanity Board.
In 2015, she was a recipient of the distinguished Heart of the Community Award, which recognizes Rome's unsung heroes for their committed service and dedication to the community.
Evelyn's life was the epitome of service and generosity, but most of all she loved her family who affectionately called her ByeBye.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and 4 siblings (Joseph Arthur Hamilton, John Henry Hamilton, and two infant siblings). She is survived by her sister Anna Jean Hamilton; niece Kimberly Hamilton (Sarah); nephews Jeremy Cotton (Melissa), Jonathan Cotton; great nephews Jaderrius Cotton, Jonathan Cotton Jr., Jalorian Cotton and Kyng Cotton; great nieces Kween Cotton and Jordynn Cotton; great-great niece Ariyah Cotton and many more nieces, nephews and cousins
Please keep the Hamilton family in your prayers
Professional Services and care entrusted to Wright Memorial Mortuary, Inc
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