Heaven hired a hard-working, strong-willed new cook for God’s kitchen yesterday.  Evelyn Watkins Campbell was known for her enduring spirited countenance, her ability to nourish multitudes of strangers, and a thumb so green that she was perpetually surrounded by breathtaking flora. Her and her late husband Nolan’s house was always with family, friends, and even strangers. At age 16, she eloped with Nolan Campbell, and the two were married for 57 years. Evelyn had a knack for working with the elderly that began in her youth when she would care for seasoned friends and neighbors, and continued into adulthood when she spent countless hours as kitchen manager of the nursing home. Later on “Elvie” started a broiler poultry farm from the ground up and attained several accolades for her successful endeavors over the years. Those who knew her closely recall her fondness of Elvis Presley and she would say, “until we meet again, may God bless you as he has blessed me.”

Mrs. Georgia Evelyn Watkins Campbell, age 77 of Blue Ridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at her home. Mrs. Campbell was born July 10, 1940 in Blue Ridge, GA to the lateWilliam Clifford Watkins and the late Allie Leo Standridge Watkins. A member of Union Hill Baptist Church, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nolan Campbell, three brothers, Herbert, Benny and Glenn Watkins and one grandson, Daniel Campbell. In her spare time, Evelyn enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking and word search puzzles, she also enjoyed being outdoors and gardening.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Tim (Laurel) Campbell of Florida, three daughters and their spouses, Sherry Henderson of Blue Ridge, Charlotte and Frank Gillespie of Blue Ridge, and Mary Lou and Tim McMichen of Young Harris, nine grandchildren and their spouses: John and Verena Campbell of Bad Orb, Germany, Tyler Henderson of Blue Ridge, Jessica McMichen of Georgia, Emily and Scott Kennett of Panama City, Florida, Drew Henderson of Blue Ridge, Rhys and Caitlin Campbell of Suffolk, Virginia, Hunter Campbell of Kodiak, Alaska, Brynne Campbell and Bowen Campbell both of Florida, four great-grandchildren, Caelen and Jamie Campbell, Lachlan James Campbell and Juliet Campbell. Also surviving are several in-laws, Doris and Hilburn Long, Zack and Delores Campbell, Barbara Watkins, Regina Watkins, Ruth Ann Campbell, Quinton Davenport, Hoyt Campbell, Edie Campbell and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Campbell, Rev. Travis Childress and Rev. Jim Crews officiating. Music provided by Brenda Milsaps, Greg Campbell, Mike Earley and Stacy Waldrip. Interment will follow in Salem #2 Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers include Joel Jordan, Tyler Henderson, Drew Henderson, Tim Campbell, Hunter Campbell, Bennie (Buddy) Watkins, Ryan Watkins, and Randy Long. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Callihan, Tim McMichen, Frank Gillespie, Greg Campbell, Bowen Campbell, Scott Kennett and Charles Watkins.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 5-9 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.