Mrs. Eula Lou Nelms McAllister of Demorest was called to her Heavenly home on her 91st birthday, June 30, 2021.
She was born in the Leaf Community in White County on June 30, 1930, to the late Leonard and Tennie Freeman Nelms. She married James Henry “Jim” McAllister on April 1, 1950, and they enjoyed 57 years together. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
She worked in many professions, including sewing plants, nursing homes, and restaurants. She was always a hard worker, whether at her job, at home, or in her church. She was a member of Clarkesville Church of God and attended faithfully until her health began to decline. She was saved at Brush Arbor Camp Meeting when she was in her twenties. She faithfully served the Lord and was often seen reading her Bible or praying. She also loved singing and was once in a gospel group, “The Family Circle Singers.” In recent years she helped with a gospel music ministry in local nursing homes.
She was affectionately known as Granny Eula. Everyone loved her delicious cooking, especially her sweet potato pies and banana puddings. The great-grandchildren loved her famous macaroni and cheese and her chicken and dumplings. She often had a pot of “soup beans” on the stove for anyone who came by to visit. She never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, anywhere.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim McAllister, son-in-law, Jerry Cantrell, and brother, Henry Nelms.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Janice & Ronnie Smith of Cleveland; daughter and special friend, Vickie Cantrell & Junior Eller, both of Demorest; grandchildren, Jason & Becky Cantrell, Chad & Nicole Knott, Jeremy & Ryann Cantrell, Blake Cantrell; great-grandchildren, Sidney Cantrell, Lindsey Cantrell, Chloe Cantrell, Tristan Cantrell, Brett Cantrell, Breckyn Cantrell, Tanner Knott, Trevor Knott, Trey Knott, Dominic Misencik; great-great-grandson, Kreed Cantrell; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and special friend, W.C. “Dub” Cawthon.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 3, 2021, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart, with Rev. Tim Tanner and Rev. Garvis Kinsey officiating. Interment will follow in the Macedonia United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Friday, July 2, 2021, at the funeral home.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
