Mrs. Eva Margaret (Williams) Philbin, 85, joined the chorus of angels in heaven on December 6, 2020 following a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer's after relocating recently to Chattanooga, TN.

She was born in Cordele, GA on August 28, 1935 and married Edward Lawrence "Ed" Philbin in Albany, GA on April 23, 1960 where they had three children.

Eva was more recognized for her gentle, kind manner in serving patients as a registered nurse at the Dougherty County Public Health Department for many years and fierce competitive nature on the basketball and tennis courts at Albany High School than her singing abilities or culinary skills.  In fact, her basketball efforts earned her induction into the Albany Sports Hall of Fame as the point guard for the state championship team from her youth.  Following high school, Eva attended the first nursing program established in Georgia at the Saint Joseph's School of Nursing in Atlanta, and was a member of the Junior League of Albany, GA and St. Theresa's Catholic Church of Albany.

As a child, she was known for her love of animals, hunting, fishing, camping and sports—all passions that helped her live an adventurous life.

As a wife, she adored her husband and enthusiastically pursued similar hobbies such as tennis, fishing, camping and boating.  She also indulged his penchant for bigger boats and campers as the family grew.

As a mother, she was extraordinarily patient, gentle and kind…and a simple glance from her striking blue eyes was enough to calm any mischief in progress.  Years of boating and camping as a family created a lifetime of fond memories and wisdom.  She lived by simple rules such as "if you can't say something nice, then just don't say anything at all," which is why she never had a cross word to say about anyone, or "if you run with dogs, you'll get fleas," which was her not-so-subtle way of guiding her children to choose friends wisely.

Eva enriched the lives of everyone she knew.  There were no strangers in life – only those yet to befriend.  She always assumed the best of everyone.  She laughed easily, loved unconditionally and lived life fully.

Following retirement in 1999, they moved to Niceville, FL to pursue fishing and boating full time.

She was preceded in death by her older sister, Mrs. Ann Williams Inman, her mother Christine Brosnan Williams, and father Barney Bass "BB" Williams.

Survivors include husband Ed, one daughter, Bebe Marie Philbin Everett and husband Pierce of Chattanooga, TN, two sons, John Patrick "Pat" Philbin II and wife Erin of Herndon, VA, and Edward Lawrence "Ted" Philbin, Jr. and wife Becky of Augusta, GA, four grandchildren (John Patrick Philbin III and wife Carrie, Kerry Elizabeth Philbin Sadler and husband Tim, Edward Tyler Philbin, and Casey Marie Philbin Holman and husband Jake, and six great grandchildren (Jackson Patrick Philbin, Kieran James Philbin, Brooks William Philbin, Brynn Erin Philbin, Finn Michael Sadler, and Charlotte "Charley" Marie Sadler).

The family wishes to thank the many medical support staff who cared for Eva during her long journey home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services; 4506 Hixson Pike; 423-531-3975.