Evelyn Handjis

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 1, 2008

NATCHEZ – Services for Evelyn Lucille Netterville Handjis, 85, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at her residence, will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with Dr. John W. Larson officiating.
Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Handjis was born Feb. 19, 1923, in Natchez, the daughter of Paul and Ethel Mae Cobb Netterville. She was a homemaker, especially skilled in needle work. Crocheting and quilting were two of her many gifts. She was very proud of her 50 years with the Rosecraft Garden Club and her involvement in the Pine Ridge Homemakers Club. Following her husband’s retirement, she enjoyed volunteering and traveling with the Friends Five-O organization.
Mrs. Handjis loved her church and its ministries and was involved in many teaching and leadership roles through her 30 years at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church and her over 30 years at the First Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Handjis received loving care during her long illness from her team of dedicated caregivers.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James Handjis Sr.; her twin daughters, Joan and Judy Handjis; her sister, Helen Chafton; and her parents.
Survivors include two sons, James Handjis Jr. and wife, Jackie, both of Natchez, and John Paul Handjis and wife, Sherry, both of Vidalia; two daughters, Elaine Shaifer and husband, Gary, both of Natchez, and Christina Smith and husband, Dan, both of Smiths Station, Ala.; six grandsons, Shannon Handjis and wife, Renee, Jonathan Handjis, Russell Handjis, Daniel Smith, Colin Smith and wife, Mackenzie, and Brian Shaifer; two granddaughters, Amanda Handjis Creigton and husband, Dennis, and Kristi Handjis Gillespie and husband, John; six great-grandchildren, Morgan, William and Stephen Rae Handjis, Chase and Ava Gillespie and Conner Creigton; one sister, Polly Emanuel; one sister-in-law, Catherine Handjis; and a number of loved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Handjis, Shannon Handjis, Russell Handjis, Brian Shaifer, Amanda Creigton, Daniel Smith and Kristi Gillespie.
Honorary pallbearers will be the ladies of Rosecraft Garden Club.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Women’s Ministries at First Presbyterian Church.