Evelyn Beck

It is with profound sorrow and yet with a deep sense of gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Evelyn Beck, who was received into Heaven's loving arms on August 6, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on June 2, 1945, in Nahunta, Georgia, Evelyn was a woman of remarkable strength, infectious joy, and an unfaltering spirit.

Evelyn was an embodiment of love and compassion, a beacon of light that touched the lives of all who knew her. As the Head of Housekeeping in a nursing home, she served with a relentless dedication that went beyond her job description. Her kindness and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on both colleagues and residents alike. Outside of her professional life, Evelyn had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life that was contagious. She had a keen interest in collecting rocks and coins, a hobby that sparked a sense of wonder and intrigue. An avid crafter, Evelyn's nimble hands could transform a simple strand of yarn into a beautiful crochet masterpiece. She was also an ardent angler who combined her love for fishing with her crafting skills to start her own business making fishing lures. As Charles Dickens once said, "The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists." This was true for Evelyn, her creations sparked joy not only in her heart but in the hearts of those around her.

Yet, what mattered most to Evelyn was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving children Lucile Wallen, Duston(Kaylee) Henson, Leslie Henson, Karen Hurst, Deborah(Thomas) Santori, Linda Tharp, Sharon Hurst, Lynette(Robert) Wallen, Michelle Quick, Aleta Henson, and her significant other, Chris Hartman. She also leaves behind her sister, Leona Summer, twenty-one grandchildren, including Angela Hurst, forty-two great-grandchildren, her great-great-grandson, Jax Mrugala and her first husband, John Hurst. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, James and Blonnie Williams, her brother Pete Williams, and her sisters Aletha Arnold and Hester Williams.

We will celebrate Evelyn's life on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Visitation will be held at the Smith Springs Free Will Baptist Church at 1:00 pm., the funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm, the interment will be at the Atkins City Cemetery at 3:00 pm. As we bid farewell to Evelyn, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the countless ways she touched our hearts.

We encourage friends and family to share their memories of Evelyn and upload photos to the memorial page. Let us remember her not with sorrow, but with the joy and love she brought into our lives. As we remember Evelyn, let us be reminded of a quote by Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Evelyn's life was a testament to this sentiment, and her spirit will forever live on in our hearts.