Mrs. Evelyn Blackburn Waller Obituary

Following an abundant life and a protracted and resolute struggle against various illnesses, Evelyn Waller,84, passed away on January 14, 2014 in Dawson Georgia. Born in Mitchell County, Georgia she later lived in Dougherty and Terrell Counties.She was married for more than 50 years to the late Robert Waller Jr. She is is survived by her son Robert and his wife Cindy, her grandchildren Keegan Waller and McKenzie Waller,her sisters Mavis Morey and Elsie Brooks, and her sister-in-law Emily Waller. A Graveside Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday January 18 at 11:00 AM at Cool Springs Baptist Church in Sale City Georgia.She was formerly the town clerk of Sasser, Georgia,Evelyn had a profound and inspirational effect on her family and friends. Upon hearing of her death, Earl Cook, childhood friend of Evelyn's son wrote the following: I was saddened today to hear of the passing of Mrs. Evelyn Waller, mother of my childhood friend, Judge Robert Waller. Evelyn had served as a caring surrogate mother for me during a critical time in my life. My father worked out of town for many years and on the second day of first grade, it was necessary for my dear mother to take a full-time job and be away from home during the day. My five older brothers and sisters were either married or not around much due to our age differences so I became known as a 'latch-key' kid. I would come home from school to an empty house in the afternoons for many years during those times. I was a small, skinny, shy and introverted kid. At one time, I had been diagnosed with anemia which basically meant I was malnourished. During those times I was known for eating my mother's houseplants and also for pushing my tricycle around so that I could eat leaves from the trees by standing on the seat and reaching for the low-hanging limbs so that I could get nourishment from the leaves. The other night we were in a conversation with neighbors and a lady remarked, "Earl always has interesting stories and comments about almost any subject!" In a flash, I thought back to Evelyn Waller and how she had cared for me. I did not know that this was the night before she passed. Evelyn had taken me under her wings and began to take Robert and me to many places… the Junior Museum, field trips, and exploring old historical places. We enrolled in many different clubs and classes and began to be constantly busy in our afternoons. This began to crack the shell in which I lived much of my life as a lonely kid. I remember the first day that Robert and I had played together and we played football in the Waller's front yard. Robert tossed me around as if I was a rag doll and thoroughly dominated me. For those of you that know Robert and me, you will find that humorous because later I played on the varsity football team! But, that was the beginning of cracking the egg that I lived in at the time. Evelyn was always taking us some place interesting and constantly asking us questions about different subjects to develop our young minds. As a result, Robert and I developed interests in many subjects. In the 5th grade of our grade 1-6 elementary school, Robert and I scored the highest scores in the entire school on the aptitude test given to all students. About fifteen years ago, I was contemplating my life and thinking about those who had had the greatest influence in my life. Evelyn Waller was at the top of the list so I sat down and wrote her a long thank you letter for being there when I really needed someone to look after me. She instilled in me a thirst for knowledge and cultivated the many varied interests that I still have to this day. I am so grateful that she took me under her wing and gave me the opportunity to be a kid and have a buddy like Robert so that we both could grow into competent young men. I remember a lot of laughs. One event stands out in my memory. In 6th grade, the elementary school held a dance for the students. Evelyn and Robert picked me up and as we were heading to the dance I remarked, "I have a date tonight!" It was my first date and I wasn't sure of all of the details. Evelyn asked me, "Aren't you supposed to pick her up and take her to the dance?" I replied, "I don't know, I have never done this before!" Luckily, we went by and picked up my date as she was there waiting for me. So, it is with great sadness that I say goodbye to dear Evelyn. You added so many things to my life that have helped make me who I am today. I am eternally grateful. You may sign the guestbook and share your thoughts with the family of Mrs. Waller by visiting Kimbrell-Stern's website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Mrs. Evelyn Blackburn Waller Obituary

August 15, 1929 - January 14, 2014