Mariola S. Hammill

Mariola Stegall Hammill, of Summerville, wife of the late Robert James (Bob) Hammill, passed away November 15, 2023 at age 89. Mariola was born September 27, 1934 in Emelle, AL, daughter of William Frederick Stegall and Mary Estella England. She and Bob enjoyed 50 years of marriage prior to his passing. She was a much beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on February 10, 2024 at 10 am in The Village at Summerville Chapel with a reception of friends and family to be held following the service at The Village at Summerville. She is survived by her children Belinda Hardiman (Jeff) of Cross, SC; Karen Kenna (James) of Springfield, VA; Aprille Johnson (Kevin) of Marietta, GA; Robert James Hammill, Jr (Julie) of Greenwood, IN; Sister Rosalie Dew of Livingston, AL and Brother Herman (Susan); Stegall of Meridian, MS; 10 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren In addition to her husband, Mariola is predeceased by her parents, her brother James Calvin Stegall, and her grandson James Chadwick Kenna Mariola attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn Univ.) Majoring in Home Economics. She was a Lifetime Member of Chi Omega Sorority. She was a member of the 4H Club of Livingston, AL all through High School. In her senior year, her highly developed sewing skills and talents won her a trip to the annual National 4 H Convention in Chicago IL. Mariola was a leader in every aspect of her life. She was an active member of the Garden Club (President) Music Club (President) Bridge Club, Bible Study, and Voting Poll Watcher for Dorchester Co. As President of the Garden Club, Mariola worked closely with Mayor Berlin G. Myers to beautify and further develop the Town Square of Summerville. She also led the Garden Club to honor Veterans with the placement and dedication of the Blue Star Memorial at the merge of Trolley and Bacons Bridge Road. She was a Member of Summerville Presbyterian Church since 1966. As a Professional Seamstress, she managed the specialized alterations department at both Thalhimers Department Stores of Charleston. She was a teacher and mentor to her staff of clothing alterers. She could alter the most intricate and jeweled evening gowns as well as high end men's suits. She was most happy in her career as a Professional Homemaker where she loved sewing clothes for her three daughters and friends. She took great pride in her home, her children, her church and her community. Mariola was a consummate hostess. She was an extraordinary cook and loved to entertain friends, family and business clients for her husband. The much anticipated New Years’ Day Open House in her home was the place to be for amazing southern cuisine, fellowship and football. She was an avid gardener, crafter, professional seamstress, birdwatcher and collector of new friends from her extended travels around the country as part of the Good Sam’s Camping Club. Mariola met her husband Bob Hammill on her first day on the Auburn University campus. They were married in March 1954. In 1956 they moved to Newark, DE where Mariola immersed herself in the Brookside Community, Presbyterian Church and Sorority. She was a classic beauty and a great homemaker as she was recognized for both attributes in first being crowned Mrs. Brookside of 1964. She then went on to be crowned Mrs. Delaware of 1964. A job relocation for her husband, Bob, brought the family to Summerville, SC in 1966. Mariola became very involved in the community, particularly the Summerville Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon and Elder along with other various committees and services she provided. Her sewing skills were enlisted to make choir and clergy robe scarves and collars, altar runners, and pulpit flags for the different seasons and special events of the church. At the Presbyterian Home she was in charge of the creation of the annual altar Thanksgiving Cornucopia for the Chapel. This was another venue where she adopted many residents into her family. From 1967-1995, she was hostess, Mrs.Claus, along with her husband, Mr. Santa Claus, for the annual Christmas Eve Celebration at the Presbyterian Home. Mariola moved to The Village at Summerville (Presbyterian Home) in 2021. Throughout the years, the Hammill Family embraced friends like family. They were honored to be named SC Family of the Year 1988. She was so very proud to be grandmother of 10 and great grandmother of 16. She never met a stranger for each was a child of God whom she would say, “I just love you so much.” Mariola’s extraordinary generosity, energy and character will be missed. She lived a life of service. As a Christian, she didn’t say goodbye, just “see you later.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in memory of Mariola Hammill to: Presbyterian Communities of SC Foundation, 2817 Ashland Rd., Columbia, SC 29210 Mailing Address for Tributes: ℅ Karen Hammill Kenna, 8306 Southstream Run, Springfield, VA 22153 Memorial Message may be written to the family by visiting our web site at www.jamesadyal.com

Mariola S. Hammill

September 27, 1934 - November 15, 2023