Annie Evelyn Cecil Hollins

Annie Evelyn Cecil Hollins, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the age of 91. A lifelong resident of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, Annie Evelyn raised her family in the First Presbyterian Church. 

Annie Evelyn was born May 7, 1933, to David Watkins Cecil and Nita Francis Shackelford Cecil. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Alexander Hollins, Jr.

Annie Evelyn graduated from Hay Long High School Mount Pleasant, Tennessee in 1951 and served as the Valedictorian. In 1955, she graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration as one of the first women to achieve this distinction. She also earned a Teacher’s Certificate from Middle Tennessee State University. She dedicated 24 years to Mt. Pleasant Elementary, where she inspired countless young minds as a 5th-grade teacher and Title I Reading specialist.

Annie Evelyn was a member of Kappa Delta Social Sorority, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the James K. Polk Society. She also enriched her life through music, sharing her talents as an accomplished pianist and alto singer in church cantatas and events.

A lifelong learner and traveler, Annie Evelyn explored the United States and Europe with her dear friends. She found joy in knitting personalized Christmas stockings and sweaters for her family, crafting heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. Annie Evelyn also loved the camaraderie of her bridge club and could quote Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales in Middle English, reflecting her love of literature and history.

Annie Evelyn was also known affectionately as “Pannie” among her friends. 

Annie Evelyn is survived by her three daughters, Anne Cecil Hollins Chambers (Johnny) of Germantown, Tennessee; Nita Courtney Hollins Edington (Sherard) of Nashville, Tennessee; and Evelyn Smith Hollins Galbraith (Wyatt) of Columbia, Tennessee. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. She adored the family dog, Scottie, who was a member of the family for 17 ½ years. 

Annie Evelyn’s life was a testament to strength, intelligence, and love for her family and community. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Pallbearers will be Walker Galbraith, Sam Galbraith, Wyatt Galbraith, Jack Chambers, Johnny Chambers, and Michael Moore. 

A private graveside service will be held at Zion Presbyterian Cemetery. The family will have a reception at Mount Pleasant Grille on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM. 

Memorial can be made to The West End Home Foundation in Nashville, Tennessee: https://www.westendhomefoundation.org/ and Asheville Christian Academy Hurricane Relief Fund in Asheville, North Carolina: https://www.ashevillechristian.org/. 

Williams Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.