Edward Thomas Hamill, 25, son of Carol and Thomas Hamill, of St. Philip Benizi Parish in Jonesboro, died suddenly on June 5. His funeral Mass was celebrated at the church on June 9 by Msgr. Donald Kenny, assisted by Father John Koziol, OFM Conv., and Deacon Adolfo Casal.

Edward Hamill had expected to leave for England on July 31 to study for certification to teach English as a second language overseas. A 1993 graduate of the University of Georgia where he majored in political science, he was attending Georgia State University for his teacher certification. He was a substitute teacher in the Fayette and Clayton school systems.

He is also survived by a sister, Ann Catherine, an actress in New York City, and Timothy Patrick, a student at Georgia State.

His mother, Carol Hamill, is the consultant for adult faith formation in the Office of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. She expressed the family’s gratitude for the “incredible prayer support, visits to the home, and for all the people who came to the wake service and funeral Mass.”

“Jesus was very real in everything,” she said.

Contributions in memory of Edward Hamill may be sent to Maisha House of Prayer at 392 Glen Iris Drive, Atlanta, 30308.