Evelyn Parrish Portier, lovingly known to all as Mema, passed away gracefully Saturday, November 29th at her residence under Hospice care.

Mema was born on February 8, 1935, to James and Addie Parrish in Tifton, GA. She retired in 1989 from the Nassau County School District, where she had served as Assistant Finance Director. Her love of numbers and the ability to turn a penny into a dollar made her a successful woman throughout her lifetime.

She was the mother to three children, Anita Portier White (Garry), Ricky Windle Portier and Elizabeth Portier Belcher. She was the Mema to Jennifer McMonagle Scott, Angel Portier, Quest Belcher, Addie Wellington and Rowdy Portier. A Great Mema to Katrina Lord, Alexis Buchanan, Grayson Wellington and Whit Wellington. She was blessed to have Great-Great Grandchildren as well; Ricky Lord, Jerry Mathews, Jr, Elliana Rowland and Bryer Mathews. She was Aunt Eppie to a handful of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Windle Portier, her longtime companion, Ed Moses and her Grandson, Quest Belcher, her sisters Margaret Parrish Bolt and Carolyn “Cullie” Weldon and her brother James Parrish. She will have the grandest welcome home party waiting for her at Heaven’s gates.

She experienced some great adventures during her lifetime, living in Germany after the war with her former husband and eldest daughter, accidently attending Elvis Presley’s funeral procession while on vacation and numerous trips with the Shriners. She loved spending time with her family, spoiling everyone rotten and loved when the grand/great grands came to visit her at her home away from home in North Carolina. She loved the mountainside as much as she loved the beaches. Evelyn was the most levelheaded, down-to-earth person one could have ever known.

She held a special place in her heart for the wonderful caregivers, who became part of our family; Trenton Hodges who she loving called Cowboy, Charlie McCollough also known as the pretty girl with the poochie dog, Morgen Bumgarner often referred to as the brown-haired girl and Dina Hall. We are forever grateful for the love and care you provided Mema. Thank you to the team at Community Hospice for your caring support during the difficult transition. Your compassion and care for your patients are truly a blessing.

Rather than flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Community Hospice or The Alzheimer’s Foundation. There are no services at this time as the family will hold a private Celebration of Life to honor Mema.