Emily Belle Hamilton
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Emily Belle Hamilton passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, May 28, 2022, from unknown causes.
Emily came out of the womb wailing on March 15, 1985, in Kansas City, MO. We assumed she was crying, like newborns do, but soon realized she was just performing baby vocal warmups in preparation for a lifetime of singing.
A naturally shy kid, she had no fear of singing in front of audiences at Hillcrest Elementary, Lawrence Children’s Choir concerts, West Junior High, Theater Lawrence, Broadway at Baker Performing Arts Camp, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp (Steamboat Springs, CO) and Free State High School, earning applause and awards along the way. She won a scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston where she studied for two years. Later, she attended Johnson County Community College and became a licensed esthetician, a job that connected her to many new friends and colleagues.
Emily leaves her two parents, Rex and Cathy Hamilton of Lawrence: her brother Barrett, sister-in-law Katy, and nephew Ryland Rex (the three lights of her life) of Denver. She is also survived by her maternal grandmother Mignon Johnston Hughes (Dave) of Prairie Village, KS, 4 aunts, 3 uncles, 15 cousins, and several cousins-in-law and their children.
Besides music, Emily loved dogs, houseplants (a LOT!), musical theater, film, a well-executed mani-pedi (her standards were high) and, most of all, her adoring family and amazing friends and “sisters” from the wonderful communities that surrounded her and lifted her up.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests contributions to Lawrence Humane Society or Bert Nash Mental Health Center and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The only sound more beautiful than Emily’s singing voice was her unforgettable, melodious laugh. It was always music to our ears.
Cathy how devastating for you and the family. Emily sounds like a beautiful soul and your sorrow must be very deep over this tragedy. Prayers for Emily and for all of you ❤️
Schneider, Carol
I treasure all the fun and laughter-filled times I had with Emily during many visits to Lawrence. A Los Angeles highpoint: the hilarity of sitting with her in the audience, watching Cathy as a contestant on “To Tell The Truth.” May Emily’s memory be a blessing for all who had the joy and honor of knowing this gentle and creative soul.
Cathy and Rex, I remember Cathy’s melodious presence at Free State High School. Such a wonderful young woman who is already missed deeply. We send our condolences and may you and Rex find peace. Phyllis and Louie Copt
Cathy and Rex,
What a lovely tribute to your beautiful daughter. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deepest condolences,
Sarah Mathews
Cathy and Rex: Sending you huge hugs and lots of love. So sorry about your
beautiful daughter. May your memories and grandson comfort you.
Deb Drummet
Cathy, Rex, Barrett, Katy and Ryland,
Our hearts have been breaking for you since we heard last Sunday about Emily’s totally unexpected passing. Emily was the kindest, sweetest, most gentle human I ever met. She emanated those traits every time I saw her. Emily was so lovely, she was so loved. We are sending you so much love at this most difficult time.
Love, Vicki and Rick Lysen
Emily was such a wonderful and kind person.
I am so sorry to all her her family and friends, and especially to her parents since she made it abundantly clear how close she was to them.
My deepest condolences at this time.
Cathy, so very, very sorry to hear such devastating news. Emily was a lovely and talented young woman. You and your family are in my prayers.
Cathy …. I can hear her voice and laugh, see her smile and feel her sweet soul. Emily had the biggest heart and loved you all soooo very much. My heart is with you all.
Cathy and Rex,
I never met Emily, but we were neighbors for quite some time. I thought for sure we’d meet at some point near the recycling or mailboxes, but our paths never crossed. I loved reading about who she was and how much she was loved. So heartbreaking.
Much sympathy,
Heather Kearns
I am still in shock! Emily was such an amazing person. I remember she practiced make up on me for one of her classes and we would go out for karaoke night and she would bring the house down with her amazing voice. Her laugh was infectious, and I will never forget her!
Cathy and Rex,
Scot and I send our heartfelt condolences and prayers as you deal with this sudden loss of your dear daughter, Emily. We know you will miss her tremendously. You will, no doubt, go through many wonderful memories of her at this time. They will never fade.
I loved her sudden, contagious laugh as well. She will be missed. My condolences to her family that she talked and loved so so much.
Cathy and Rex–
We just heard. Hard to fathom.
When I first heard Emily sing, I was … speechless? Her voice was so rich, such heart, so mature for her age back then — Emily was always kind and decent and caring. And her smile? Such a fine and generous smile.
I always hoped our daughters might be friends. Emily lifted people up. She got that from you.
Our hearts are with you. No words for this loss. No words.
Cathy and Rex
I passed on news of Emily’s passing on to Anne. She was devastated by the news. She had such fond memories of the shows they did together at West. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Val and Beth Stella and Family
Cathy and Rex, what a beautiful tribute to Emily. Your words describe her as she will always be remembered, an amazingly talented, gentle soul who was devoted to her family. I do remember Emily’s laugh – and yes, it was infectious. I heard her sing for the first time at Barrett’s wedding. We are forever blessed to have had the opportunity to know her and the person you describe. May God wrap you in His arms and hold you tight as He is now holding your sweet Em. Love, Sue and Mitchell
Cathy and Rex, I am so very sorry to hear of Emily’s passing. She was a part of many great memories from my childhood and was always so genuine and kind. I am sending you all constant prayers of healing and love during this time.
Cathy and Rex,
Unimaginable grief…sending hugs and love to all.
Cathy and Rex,
I’ve met Emily and she was polite, filled with zest, joyous and a dazzling smile to me.
She had an amazing personalty that brings the best out to everyone that she met.
My condolences to you as you grieve at this time.
I’m still in shock. My deepest condolences to you and Rex and your amazing family. She gave the best hugs.
Cathy, Rex, Barrett, and family,
My deepest condolences. It’s a lovely tribute to Emily. I will always remember her laugh and kind and wonderful self. I’ll also remember the countless hours we spent chatting, playing, laughing loudly, and walking to and from Hillcrest (and occasional impromptu music in the park). She was my only friend who was always up for sleepovers. Now living with my own kids across an ocean, I find myself hoping they’ll have friends close to as kind and generous as Emily.
Sending you so much love.
Dear Hamilton Family and Friends,
Please know that the community is thinking of you during this devastating time and please reach out as needed. With sincere condolences and our thoughts are with you.
Emily was a beautiful, loving girl taken way too soon. The loss is unfathomable and words seem vacant. I just send my love to you Rex, Cathy, Barrett, Katy and Ryland.
Dear Cathy and Rex, so shocked and sorry . Emily spent time at our home for practices for encore and Chris’s formal dinners. We loved watching her perform . Our whole family is grieving with you. Chris can hardly function he loved her so. She was a bright light. All our love, Bob and Celeste Trepinski
Dear Hamilton Family,
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Emily’s passing. I have so many fond memories of her sweet voice at Free State and her fun personality in my class. I’m sending you my most sincere condolences and prayers.
Esther Romero
Emily was always a beautiful ray of sunshine that lit up those around her! My condolences and prayers for all who love her!
Cathy and Rex and family,
Todd and I are so shocked and saddened to hear of Emily’s passing. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. Our deepest condolences and love to you all.
I don’t know any of you but wanted to let you know, that was the most beatifuly written bio/obit I have ever read and seemed most fitting to a special spirit. I too, feel like the world has lost a special person.
Hugs, prayers and wishes that I could comfort – my heart is with you. May her beautiful spirit and voice echo in your memory to bring you joy and support along the way.
I went to Hillcrest with Emily. I was the kid who would accompany her on piano. I’ve thought about those days a lot lately, as I remember enjoying her powerful voice from the best seat in the house. This news comes as a shock to me. My thoughts go out to her friends and family.
Such a beautiful tribute to lovely Emily. Our hearts are broken for you. Wishing you memories that bring you comfort, love and peace.
There really are no words for this unimaginable loss. She will always be our favorite Dorothy. I know you are safely surrounded by love, please consider us part of that circle. The Hilpman Family
As one of Emily’s “sisters” I appreciated what she brought when we were together. She brought her genuine self, who she was at that moment. I appreciated the gift of her.
I too am shocked and saddened at her sudden departure. Condolences to you all.
We are so very sorry for your loss. May her memory be for blessing.
Dear Cathy and family,
I wish you love, light, strength and music to soothe your soul.
Compassionately,
Nancy Hawkins
Cathy and Rex,
This is devastating news!! We know you will carry her with you for the rest of your lives. Emily has touched so many people in such a positive way. Her memories will keep her time on earth alive. We share your loss
Bob & Patsy Moody
Cathy and Rex, my heart breaks for you and your family. I hope the memories will be with you always, and be a blessing and a comfort to you. God bless your hearts.
Cathy and Rex,
I’m so heartbroken to hear of Emily’s passing! You all were so kind to host me weekly at your house senior year and you both and Emily made me feel at home and like I was part of the family in your home and at school. I was so blessed to have her as a friend through high school! So much joy, laughter and love to be had with Emily!
I still tell the story about when Emily and I went to prom together and Nick and Jake’s. when we walked we stood at the top of the huge staircase and I said,” oh my, it would be awful if someone fell all the way down these stairs!!” Then guess who fell down them in front of the whole class…. ME!! Emily came running down to the bottom to help pick me up to which the principal asked me, “are you drunk? Have you been drinking?” “I’ve never drank in my life,” I said!! We then laughed and laughed for the rest of the night cause we couldn’t believe the irony of what had happened.
I loved spending time with her and Brittany and have girl time and dancing and singing. Just love her loads and so sad to hear.
Praying for you both and family. May you be covered in peace and grace and comfort as you think of Emily and heal. Love you both! ❤️❤️