Jackie "Evelyn" Criswell

Evelyn Criswell, age 84, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. Evelyn was born on December 20, 1940, in Ripley, Mississippi. She grew up as one of five children and married William Criswell at age 16 on November 23, 1957. Over the course of their 67 years, they welcomed three children into the family. In 1965, they moved from Mississippi to Canton, GA, and rooted themselves in the community.

The wife of a coach, there were not many gyms in the area where you wouldn’t see mom sitting at the score table. She loved cheering on her children and grandchildren in sports and would do anything to support her husband and children. Working as a hairdresser, cleaning houses, and taking care of lots of babies over the years were what she loved to do, but her greatest joy came with the title of simply —MOM.

Mom was a constant and steady presence in the lives of those she loved. From taking kids to and from school to ball games and taking meals to those who were sick, she lived to serve others and make life a little easier for those she loved. She loved hard and with all she had, and that love will forever live through her family.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, William Criswell and children: Jackie (Robert) Franklin of Avon Park, Florida, Karen (Jeff) Davis of Canton, Ga and Billy(Sandy) Criswell of Virginia Beach, Va. Six grandchildren Ron (Beth) Davis, Kristi (Seth) Townley, Beth (Cliff) Kendall, Kelsey (Brandi) Criswell, Tory(Emily) Criswell and Kunani Criswell. Five Great Grandchildren: Casey and Finn Townley, Bridget Kendall, and Mialani and Alaia Criswell.

Per "MOM's" request, please dress casually at the Visitation and the Funeral Service. 

Visitation will be on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12-8 at the South Canton Funeral Home. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, she will lie in state at the Macedonia Baptist Church from 9 until the Funeral hour.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Caylor officiating. Interment will follow at Macedonia Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Macedonia Baptist Church Building Fund. % Roy Doss, 690 Beavers Road, Canton, GA. 30115

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com