Evelyn Morgan Abernathy

Evelyn Morgan Abernathy, 94, native and longtime resident of Columbia, passed away, Monday, May 1, 2017, in Winter Park, Florida. A graveside service will be held Sunday at 2:00 P.M. at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 12:00 - 1:30 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.Born August 16, 1922, she was the daughter of the late James F. Morgan and the late Katherine Sneed Morgan. In the late 1930s, Evelyn participated in Mule Day parades and was also selected as Miss Maury County. After graduating from Columbia Central High School in 1940, she attended the University of Mississippi and Parsons School of Design in New York during the war years. In 1948, she married Pulaski native DeLacey Abernathy, who preceded her in death April 6, 1983. She was active in local garden clubs, the Polk Auxiliary, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Children of the American Revolution. She taught Art at Columbia Military Academy and also offered private art classes. She was member of the First Methodist Church, where she was active in the Cub Scout programs. She gave freely of her time and talents to many other civic endeavors.Family members who loved her and will miss her include: Mark and Linda Abernathy, Morgan Abernathy, Kevin Abernathy, Beth and Richard Buchignani, James and Lois Mack, Jean Morgan, Emily and Alan Robertson.She was preceded in death by her brother, J. A. "Buddy" Morgan, former Columbia mayor and city councilman.