Evelyn Wiggins Banks, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home following an extended illness on December 14, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Coffee County on September 6, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Homer Wiggins and Latishia Wiggins Spivey. Being the only girl, she learned to cook at a very young age, and was known as one of the best cooks around Douglas. If you’ve ever had the pleasure to sit at her table or enjoy anything she made with love, you would agree. The heart of Evelyn’s world was her family and her church, College Avenue Baptist. She poured love into every role she held—sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend- always offering biblical guidance, comfort, advice, and a listening ear. Her legacy of love lives on through the generations she nurtured, each carrying pieces of her strength and gentle spirit. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Heaven is a much sweeter place because she’s there.
Her survivors include: three daughters, Linda (Dennis) Wright of Douglas, Ga; Shirli (Jimmy Claude) Spivey of Douglas, Ga; Angie (Kenneth) Merritt of Douglas, Ga. Eight grandchildren: Cristi Luke (Harvey Taylor) of Fitzgerald, Jonathan (Shanlee) Wright of Douglas, Ga; Ga; Amie (Chad) Fussell of Douglas, Ga; Clay (Melissa) Spivey of Douglas, Ga; Chad Merritt of Douglas, Ga; Erik (Nicole) Merritt of Douglas, Ga; Grant (Blakelee) Merritt of Douglas, Ga; Katie (Josh) Butts of Douglas, Ga. Twelve Great Grandchildren: Cheyenne (Brandon) Doyle of Douglas, Ga; Austin Luke of Carabelle, Fl; Kinlee Wright of Yulee, Fl; Sydnie Fussell of Fort Worth, Tx; Anna Luke of Fitzgerald, Ga; Ben Fussell of Douglas, Ga; Chaddon Merritt of Douglas, Ga; Jack Spivey of Douglas, Ga; Olivia Merritt of Douglas, Ga; Hudson Merritt of Douglas, Ga; Lily Butts of Douglas, Ga; Joseph Butts of Douglas, Ga. Three Great-Great Grandchildren: Ariella Doyle of Douglas, Ga; Banks Doyle of Douglas, Ga; Scarlett Doyle of Douglas, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents: the late Homer Wiggins and Latishia Wiggins Spivey; her loving husband of 72 years, Talmadge Banks; three brothers and two sister in laws: Harold Wiggins, John Willy (Maxine) Wiggins; Rufus (Sarah) Wiggins, one son in law: Dennis Wright, and two grandchildren: Chad Merritt and Scarlett Doyle.
Honorable mention and a heartfelt thanks to every sitter and hospice nurse that took exceptional care of her in her last days. You are family to us…Laura Belue, Des Womack, Audrey Williams, Jovita Cabrera, Joyce Magnum, Nicole Smallwood, Shantae Littlejon, Martina Hanna, Sharon Davis, and Kristin Smith.
Pall bearers are grandchildren and great grandchildren. Honorary pall bearers are sitters, hospice nurses, and nephew, Randy Banks.
Funeral services will be held at College Avenue Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 2 pm, with Bro Jimmy Littlejohn and Jonathan Wright officiating. Visitation will be before the service, beginning at 1 pm.
Interment will follow at Douglas City Cemetery, with Bro. Brandon Doyle officiating.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.