Our Chapter mourns the passing of our beloved Soror Evelyn Hamilton–a consistent example of the scholarship, service, and sisterhood foundational to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and to the Rome Alumnae Chapter. Soror Hamilton was initiated into our sisterhood through the Rome Alumnae Chapter on May 10, 1975, where she actively served for the remainder of her life. Her love for and commitment to the ideals of our sisterhood underpin every deed, every word, every aspect of Soror Hamilton’s membership in Delta Sigma Theta.

 

Soror Hamilton held countless leadership positions in our Chapter, often leading efforts to implement new initiatives for increased service to our communities. Youth mentorship, voter education, and senior wellness are just a few examples of the areas in which Soror Hamilton devoted her service in Rome Alumnae Chapter. From 1988-2009, the world-renowned Ebony Fashion Fair became one of Rome Alumnae’s signature fundraising events with Soror Hamilton’s assistance. She helped implement the Delta Dears Stars program and established Delta Academy/Rites of Passage for girls ages 9-12. Soror Hamilton served as Chapter President from 1996 to 2000, she was chair of the Chapter’s 40th Anniversary Committee in 2006, and she helped initiate “Project Countdown”—a program that allowed Rome Alumnae to assist with counting absentee ballots in Floyd County. The lasting impact of Soror Hamilton’s legacy remains within our Chapter, as several of our current programs and initiatives descend from work to which she directly contributed.

 

Though her dedication to public service shines brightly in all her work for Delta Sigma Theta, Soror Hamilton’s trailblazing community work was never the result of membership in our sisterhood. From early in her life, Soror Hamilton served Northwest Georgia because she loved making a difference in people’s lives. She was one of three African American students who integrated Berry College in Rome, Georgia, in 1964. She would graduate from Berry in 1969. The Berry African American Alumni Association established an endowment for the Hamilton-Smith Scholarship named in honor of our beloved Soror and her former classmate Beverly P. Smith. Soror Hamilton also served on the Board of Directors for the AARP Etowah Chapter and the local Habitat for Humanity organization. In 2004, as a member of the Rome Colored/Main High School Planning Committee, she used her influence for the good of others by helping secure funding for renovations to the historical Rome Colored/Main High School. This building currently houses several community-focused non-profit organizations, including our Rome Alumnae Chapter. 

 

Soror Hamilton loved her sorority, and she demonstrated that love through her thoughtfulness to our Chapter members. Soror Hamilton would text to say hello, or mail cards to express her love and support for her Sorors. She would donate anything she had to help complete a task or execute an event. For forty-nine years, Evelyn Hamilton lived out her commitment to serve her community and to help constructively develop her sister Sorors. Thank you, Soror Hamilton, for everything you shared with us, and thank you to her family for sharing her with us. Your membership in the Omega Omega Chapter is a constant reminder of your loyal devotion to our sisterhood. With much Delta Love, may you always rest in peace in the presence of our Lord God.