Evelyn Mills Statham

Mother Evelyn Mills Stathamsilently slept away on Friday morning, January 30, 2026 after an extended period of illness.

Mother Statham was born July 16, 1935 in Fort Valley, Georgia to the late Mildred Mathews Mills and Lonnie Mills. Mother Statham worked at the Fort Valley State College Laundry and Building Grounds, One Hour Martinizing Cleaners (Manager), Bassett Furniture Company, and fully retired after working at the Community Plaza Store in Fort Valley.

Mother Statham and the late Deacon Warren G. Statham, Sr. were joined in Holy Matrimony on April 13, 1957 and renewed their vows on May 7, 1988, and to this union six children were born.

Evelyn was a member of Zellners Chapel First Born Church of the Living God from birth. She served as the Chairperson of the Deaconess Board at Zellner Chapel for over 30 years and served as the District and Diocese Deaconess of the Mighty Mid-South Diocese for many years and chaired most Pastoral Anniversaries and served on various committees for years to support the First Board Church of the Living God. Mother Statham was officially honored as the Church Mother of Zellners Chapel, March 2025. Mother Statham was honored as a Lifetime member of the “Sisters of the Star,” The Pride of Fort Valley, Chapter, #480, Order of Eastern Star, December 14, 2008. In addition, Mother Statham was a proud member of the Gano Community of Fort Valley until she relocated to Lizella, Georgia, to live with her daughter when her health began to decline. Many residents of “Gano” remember her as “El”, a neighbor and friend who was sweet and always willing to help as much as possible.

She was preceded in death by two sons: Thomas Mills (Barbara Ann) and Calvin Statham, Sr; two sisters: Mother Lonnie Mae Douglas and Missionary Mildred Louis Robinson; one daughter-in-law, Pamela Statham.

Mother Statham leaves to cherish her memory, two loving sons; Warren G. Statham, Jr. (Veronica, ‘Peggy’) and Gill Statham; two devoted daughters: Dr. Cynthia Statham and Dr. Sabrina Statham-Swann (Gregory, a supportive son-in-law and care giver); eighteen loving grandchildren; two dedicated granddaughters and caregivers (El’Sharonika Taylor and Christina Swann); Aldo Statham, Tony Rice, Tanikki Mills, Shemika Nieves Kirby, Shalonda Pride Williams (Larry), Thomas Golphin, Calvin Statham, Jr. (Lashandra), Ketina Flowers, Tiffany Chinasa Statham, Demetria Watkin, Paris Statham, Torri Statham Jones (Wayne), Jimmy Rumph, Quintero Dwight, Gilda Statham Gilbert (Phillip) and Joshua Cole Statham; twenty-six great grandchildren: Chace Anderson, Anenah Nieves, Jaleesa Nieves, Jason Nieves, Tailyn Andrea Golphin, Juwan Williams, Keashawn Statham, Malachi Statham, Logan Statham, Peyton Statham, Donovahn Nix, Davaughn Nix, Tray Huit Dassau, Jaila Sierra Mathis, London Paris Mathis, Sage Makena Wright, Tyler Johnson, Deveren Judon, DaSheria Leary, Chase Riley, Jordan Riley, Alasia Fosten, Joda Williams, Karizma Statham, Natalie Justice Sonnhalter and Kelderick Jackson-Statham; two great-great grandchildren: Ryder River Redding and Avani Dream Foston; special nieces and nephews: Rose Robinson, Edna Douglas (Thomas), Alexis Douglas (Jackie), Bennie Douglas, and a caring and supportive nephew, Minister Charles Douglas (Patricia) and a host of devoted family, friends and a very special Life Long Best Friend, Deaconess Charlia Williams and a caring Healthcare Sitter, Sonja Dita Rumph. A special recognition and thank you to Dr. Samuel Palmer, PinePointe Hospice, and Amedisys Home Health.