of Little Rock, AR
January 26, 1957 - October 29, 2024
Gail Elizabeth Hammond Stone, former Executive Director of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System (APERS), passed away at Baptist Hospital after a brief illness. Gail was born January 26, 1957 in Grosse Pointe, MI to Carol Frances Bender Hammond, a Librarian and Reverend William D. Hammond.
She attended Grosse Pointe Schools where she was an accomplished ballet dancer and outstanding student, excelling in English, French and Art. She was talented at sewing, making beautiful clothes well into her adult life-later using designer fabrics available from 7th Avenue in NYC to create some fabulous outfits. After graduating from Grosse Pointe High School, she was off to Smith College in Northampton, MA where she majored in Government. It was there that she made a number of life-long friends, gathering with them nearly every year after graduation. She also attended every 5-year Class Reunion until this year.
After Smith, Gail moved to NYC where she lived on the Upper West Side overlooking the Hudson River- long before it became fashionable! She worked first as a paralegal for Sullivan and Cromwell, then in marketing for Laura Ashley. Eventually she moved into Finance, working for a Commodities trading firm in Greenwich, CT. During this time, she met her future husband, Ira Stone (then a Bond Trader with Cantor Fitzgerald). The couple lived in Greenwich, CT with their dogs and cats for several years, eventually leaving the East Coast for Ira's home in Little Rock, Arkansas to be closer to family, including stepdaughter, Alexandra Stone, with whom Gail became very close. Gail went to work for the State of Arkansas, rising to the level of Executive Director of APERS, where she served until her retirement in 2022.
Gail is remembered by her friends as beautiful and elegant, whip smart, hard-working and humble and loyal beyond all measure. She was someone you knew you could count on. She was predeceased by both her parents and her sister, Judy Hammond. She leaves behind her husband, Ira Stone; stepdaughter, Alexandra Stone; brothers, Don Hammond and Tom Hammond and golden retriever, Maggie, as well as a devoted group of friends from Smith College. We will all miss her deeply.
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14 Condolence(s)
Sam Evans
Monday, November 18, 2024
Condolences to the family. Gail was a sweet lady and great boss.
Pat Robertson
Friday, November 15, 2024
My heart grieves the loss of a lovely lady with a beautiful soul, kind heart and gentle strength. She possessed a sense of style that she incorporated into all aspects of her life, acting as a mentor and confidant to those who were fortunate enough to call her friend. She was always there with a shoulder to lean on, with words of advice and wisdom to share; a true friend who I was blessed to have in my life and will forever be in my heart.
Edwin E. Waddell
Thursday, November 14, 2024
So sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. I worked with her at APERS. She was very competent, dependable and a hard worker with APERS.
Bill Van Cleve
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Gail and I worked together for many years. Very sad to hear of her passing. Condolences to her family.
Vicki and Peter Michael
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Gail's family, Ira, and Alexandra. May her bright light live on in everyone who knew her.
Jan and Richard Weiss
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Ira and Alexandra, we are sorry to hear about Gail's passing. Richard worked with Gail in State Government and I am an old friend of Vicki's. Alexandra would remember me as Shelley's Mom. We are keeping you in our hearts.
Jan and Richard Weiss
George Hopkins
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Gail was always thoughtful and respectful to each person. When I worked with her when I was a legislator, she was always prepared and ready to defend the needs of APERS. Later as we worked side by side when I was at ATRS, she was always finding solutions to complex issues that would come up. Gail was a special lady. I am so sad to learn about her passing.
Robert Vogel
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Ira my thoughts are with you
Anna
Saturday, November 2, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss Alexandra, Ira and family. A smart, classy, and beautiful light has gone out.
Gisele Litalien
Saturday, November 2, 2024
I am heartbroken. I am a friend from her Smith College cohort. We adored Gail. She was smart as a whip, kind, funny and someone we have cherished dearly in our close circle for nearly 50 years. . We are all struggling to take in this enormous loss. We are grateful for our time with her in college and during our annual reunions. Sending deep sympathy and comfort to her family.
SteveYoakum
Friday, November 1, 2024
What a great colleague and friend. I shall miss her greatly but remember her fondly.
Frank J. Karpinski
Friday, November 1, 2024
I have to say that I’m heartbroken… I have known Gail for over 20 years. Gail was the first person who came up to me when I joined a particular lobby group. She gave me her insight, her kindness, her help introducing me to other colleagues, showing me the “ropes” but most of all her unwavering friendship.
I’m thankful for the gift to have had such a wonderful friend and colleague as Gail. She will truly be missed and never forgotten.
My deep condolences to Ira and all of her family.
Pam Stroud
Friday, November 1, 2024
I was saddened to learn of Gail's passing. As a former APERS employee, I trusted Gail to always listen and be fair and non-judgemental in her decisions. She was well respected.
Bill Sosebee
Friday, November 1, 2024
So shocked and saddened to learn about Gail, such a wonderful, caring and funny person! Condolences to Ira and Alex with heartfelt sympathy!