Emelou (Emily Louise) Mallory Hamilton

Emelou (Emily Louise) Mallory Hamilton, age 89, of Greenbrier, Ark., and formerly a native and long time resident of Little Rock, went to be with our Lord on Nov. 21, 2016. She was born in Little Rock on Jan. 9, 1927 to George Leonard Mallory and Edwina Parker Mallory. Emelou was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, William J. Hamilton Jr.; her parents; her two brothers, Pat and George Jr.; and her sister, Maribeth King. After studying at Little Rock Junior College, Emelou attended the University of Arkansas where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. During the 1948-49 seasons, she was a debutante of the Little Rock Country Club. Following graduation, Emelou returned to Little Rock and taught kindergarten before marrying and starting a family. She was a member of the Junior League of Little Rock and served on the board of the Panhellenic Children's Library. She was a member and Circle Leader at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. Emelou and Bill were original members of the "55"ers (later called the "Midnighters") dance club which met for over 30 years. They were also members of a bridge club, as playing bridge was one of Emelou's favorite activities. Emelou was proud of her heritage. Her maternal grandfather, Edward Parker, was a leading Arkansas banker of the 1800's, and his daughter Mary was an accomplished photographer. In 1981 Emelou published a book of her grandmother's Little Rock photographs that document the local architecture at the turn of the century. Her father, George L. Mallory Sr., was a leader of the state's Republican Party and served as a U.S. Marshall for the eastern district of Arkansas. Emelou was a kind and loving lady who greeted you with a smile. She loved all her family and friends, and she was a servant to her God and to all she met. After moving to Greenbrier, she joined the Faith Baptist Church, where she especially enjoyed visiting with the children. Emelou, known affectionately by "Lulu," is survived by her two daughters, Patricia Carlin (Stan) of Drasco, Ark., and Nancy Smith (Rick) of Hot Springs, Ark.; and three granddaughters: Mimi Carlin, Amy Smith and Ashley (Tommy) Smiley; plus great-granddaughter Jaiden; and many nephews and nieces. Emelou's family is grateful for all the wonderful friends, staff, and caregivers at College Square in Conway, Greenbrier Nursing and Rehab Center, and Arkansas Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 3 p.m., at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home in Conway, 1751 Dave Ward Dr. Donations in Emelou's honor may be made to The Gideon's International at 1-866-382-4253 or www2.gideons.org.