ELISE HAMMACK

HAMMACK, Elise Eugenia Bowles, 85, of Richmond, died April 9, 2010 at The Hermitage at Cedarfield. Few words can describe Elise, but she will be fondly remembered for her compassion, wit, humor and intelligence. She was born at home in Jordan Mines, Virginia, the daughter of Dr. Eugene Knight and Eleanor Taylor Bowles, the sixth of their seven children. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Ellis Hammack; a son, John Knight Hammack; sisters, Dorothy Sarto and Ellen Knight Bowles; and brothers, Joel and Cabell Bowles. Prior to marrying on April 6, 1946, she attended Richmond Professional Institute. For over 15 years, Elise worked in the Richmond City School system at Chandler, Henderson and Albert Hill Middle Schools. Survivors include her children, Elissa Penn (Alan) of Glen Allen, Robert E. Hammack Jr. (Robert Moon) of Palm Springs, Calif., and Eleanor Harris (Jeff) of Goochland County; grandchildren, Melissa Penn, Emily Harris and Robert Clay Harris; sister, Sarah Kelly; and brother, Edward Bowles. A memorial service will be held at Three Chopt Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 16, at 2 p.m. Arrangements by the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.