Eva Akins Waller
May 21, 1915 – September 16, 2016
Graveside services for Eva Akins Waller, 101, of Cairo, GA, are at 11:00 on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at Lower Lotts Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Statesboro, GA. Dr. H. William Perry will officiate. Mrs. Waller passed away at Magnolia Place of Cairo, GA, on Friday, September 16, 2016.
Born May 21, 1915 to Henry J. Akins and Ruth Eugenia Holloway Akins of Register, GA, she was 101 years old. Eva first came to Cairo in 1955 with her daughter and husband as he became Supervising Principal of Cairo Schools from 1955-1965. Eva was his trusted secretary, bookkeeper, girl Friday, friend and counselor to many CHS students during that time. After returning to their hometown of Statesboro, she taught English at Statesboro Junior High until her retirement.
While living in Statesboro, from 1965 – 2001, she was an active member of First Baptist Church and a member of Senior Sunday School Class, sang in the Senior Adult Choir, and enjoyed traveling on many Senior trips with her many beloved friends. She was a member of Georgia Retired Teachers in both Statesboro and Cairo and a member of ADK education sorority. In February 2001, Eva and Ben returned to Cairo moving into Magnolia Place of Cairo Assisted Living Facility in order to be near their only daughter, Carol Waller Connell and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She spent several happy years living near her daughter and family. She was a member of the TEL Sunday School Class at Cairo’s First Baptist Church. We wish to thank the precious members of this class for their love and devotion to her during her years of being a shut-in.
Despite her wonderful life in Cairo, nothing could replace Statesboro and Bulloch County in her heart. Eva lived a long and inspiring life giving love to others and being loved by them in return. She was all about love and family and the Lord; she spent her last years witnessing to us all. She was a talented artist with a needle and thread, completing many beautiful pieces of art we will always treasure.
Survivors include: daughter, Carol Waller Connell; granddaughter, Michelle Connell Ausley (Carter); grandsons, Johnny Connell, Jr. (Delann), Ryan Connell (fiancée Briana); great-grandchildren, Erin Connell, Alyson Ausley, Jacob Ausley and Beau Connell, all of Cairo, GA; and several dear nieces and nephews who have kept up with her by calling and visiting, from Statesboro, GA. and dear lifelong friend, Elsie Thomas.
She was preceded in death by: her husband of 65 years, Ben Waller; parents; and all her siblings, brother, Erastus Akins (Eva); and sisters, Bertha Fordham (Herbert), Mary Williams (Chester), “Charlie” Lillian Moore (Jeff).
During her last years in the Bright Seasons Unit at Magnolia Place, she was wonderfully cared for by so many precious caregivers. These sweet women who came into her heart and loved her as she loved them giving every day of all that they are to God’s oldest children. They treat them like family, as surely we all are in the eyes of our Lord Jesus. They have the eternal gratitude of our family. In the last weeks of her life, Bethany Hospice sent us Jane Toles. Her loving care of Mother, her Kind and caring support of the family, will long be remembered and appreciated. We want to thank the entire staff of Bethany Hospice for their wonderful watch care of Mother and Grandmother.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Cairo, GA, or First Baptist Church of Statesboro, GA.
