Jean Nabors Bevill

Jean Nabors Bevill entered into eternity on July 24, 2023, one year and a day after her beloved husband, Ike.  Jean was born April 13, 1929 to Robert Rush Nabors and Gertrude Hollingsworth Nabors in Laurens, South Carolina. As the fourth of six children Jean learned the virtues of caring and sharing at an early age.

She received her driver’s license at age 14. Jean graduated from Laurens High School after the 11th Grade as there was no 12th grade.   After graduation at age 16, she worked for the Clerk of Superior Court for six years.

In 1948 Jean met Ike Bevill at a community dance.  Ike was drafted into the Korean War and was deployed to the front lines for a year while Jean waited, prayed and sent endless letters to him.  Upon his return, they were married on May 24, 1952 and then settled in Statesboro, GA.  A year later the couple moved to Tennille where they lived for the next 70 years.  Jean and Ike shared the arrival of a daughter Becky and three years later a son Jimmy.

Jean went to work for Tennille Banking company in 1956 and worked there until her retirement in 1992.  She started as a teller and rose to the position of Vice President.

The Bevill’s were active members of Tennille Methodist Church for over 65 years. Jean served as a Sunday school teacher, in Women’s mission groups and as church treasurer for 20 years.  She also participated in the Bread of Life program and Feed my Sheep ministry serving grieving families.

Jean was past president of the Tennille Garden Club and member of the Tennille Fine Arts club.  She was a member of the Tennille Womens club and responsible for the rental of their historic building.  Jean was an active and keen bridge player and enjoyed gardening and watching her yard change from season to season.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband James C. (Ike) Bevill and by 4 sisters and a brother.

Survivors include a daughter Rebecca Bevill (John Fee) of Alpharetta,  a son James C. Bevill, Jr. (Lisa) of Macon,  grandson Eric James Bevill (Riley) of Atlanta, granddaughter Martha Bevill Ranson (Nick) of Athens, GA and Mary Elizabeth Bevill of Atlanta.  In addition, there are three great grandchildren, Landon James Ranson, Avery Elizabeth Ranson and James Herbert Bevill.

Always the consummate southern lady, Jean knew how to make a gracious arrival,  welcome and show interest in others and then create a grateful exit. Well Done good and faithful Servant, Matt 25:21

The Family is deeply indebted to Tennille Retirement Home that provided great love to Jean in her last year.  Thank you Cyndy Ward, Mary Dunn, Kristina Jackson and the entire staff and residents. Hospice Care options were also indispensable in our mother’s final days.  We are grateful to Patricia Justice, RN, Kim Myrick, LaShawn Watson and the staff that were so attentive and caring.

A celebration of life will be Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Tennille Methodist Church at 2pm.  Family will greet guests 1pm to 2pm before the service. Reverend Cathy Green will officiate.  Pallbearers will be Eric Bevill, Nick Ranson, John Fee, Dwight Smith, Lester Lord, Carl Forrester, and David Hooks. Burial will be private at Zeta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers  the family ask that donations be made to Tennille United Methodist Church P.O. Box 265, Tennille, Ga. 31089

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Please leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com