Rowena Hamill

Mrs. Rowena Eastburn Hamill, age 101, who had been a resident of Woodstock for the past eleven years, passed away January 3, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Ollie Eastburn of Meridian, MS, her husband Robert Malcolm Hamill and her son, Robert Wallace Hamill. She is survived by her son, David Ross Hamill and his wife Gerry of Woodstock ,granddaughter, Kimberly Hamill Westbrooks and her husband David Brian Westbrooks of Duluth, grandson, Robert David Hamill and his wife Lisa Hobgood Hamill and great grandsons, James, Matthew and Luke Hamill all of Woodstock; two nephews, Col. Charles Eugene Eastburn of Elba, AL and William E. Eastburn of Newport News, VA, two nieces, Patricia Munn of Charlotte, NC and Helen Pam Hawkinson of Chapin, SC.

Mrs. Hamill lived in Meridian, Mississippi for her first 90 years where her husband, Mr. Hamill, operated the Post Office Drug for 45 years. She was always active in Southern Baptist life, teaching Sunday School in First Baptist Church, and serving as State President of Women’s Missionary Union. Always active in civic affairs, she was the consummate “den mother” for her sons David and Bob. In later life she became a preservationist, leading Federated Club members to purchase and restore “Merrehope” an antebellum landmark enjoyed today by tourists and Meridianites alike. In retirement, she opened an Antique Shop at age 80 and was instrumental in founding Grace Fellowship Church. Though it was hard for her to leave Meridian, she quickly assimilated into community life in Georgia because of the warm acceptance she received at First Baptist Church, Canton and First Baptist Church, Woodstock.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Magnolia Room of Woodstock First Baptist Church, Dr. Johnny Hunt officiating. Condolences may be offered at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com.